The ongoing drive against drugs

THE ongoing drive by the law enforcement agencies against drugs has already started producing results. Several drug peddlers were killed in course of the drive and illegal sale of narcotics across the country has gone down remarkably. It is undoubtedly a significant move by the law enforcing agencies. But it can not be the end in itself and can only be means to the end.

The Filipino government undertook a similar drive and had to face severe criticism by the world media, international agencies and human right bodies.

Killing of the peddlers is not going to give us a long term solution. We must identify the causes behind drug addiction and take up efforts to remove them. In this way the peddlers will not have any ground to set their foot on. If extreme militancy can be controlled by the law enforcement agencies, drug addiction can also be removed from the society. We need strong motivation and public awareness against drug addiction. Drug peddlers need to be driven away and more importantly widespread awareness should be created among all groups of people.

Md. Zillur Rahaman

Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd

Lalmohan Branch, Bhola