Save youngsters from drugs

Drug addiction among school and college students in Bangladesh has emerged as a deeply alarming issue. Once largely confined to urban centres, this menace is now rapidly spreading to rural areas, ensnaring young minds in its toxic grip. The consequences are dire-students are losing their intellectual potential, experiencing moral decay, and suffering from a range of psychological disorders. If this trend continues unchecked, the nation risks plunging into an uncertain and bleak future.

Given the gravity of the situation, both government and non-governmental organisations must step up their efforts through widespread awareness and prevention campaigns. Educational institutions should regularly host anti-drug seminars to educate students about the harmful effects of substance abuse. The presence of professional psychiatrists in schools and colleges is essential to provide mental health support to those at risk.

In addition to institutional interventions, families and communities must play a more proactive role. Instilling moral and religious values at home and in schools can serve as a strong deterrent against drug use. Emotional support and open communication within the family are equally important in guiding young people away from dangerous paths.

Only through the collective efforts of families, schools, and society can we hope to protect the younger generation from the scourge of drug addiction. Urgent and coordinated action is needed before more lives are lost to this preventable crisis.

Zesia Tabassum Zahin

Department of English language, IML

Jagannath University, Dhaka.

zesiatabassum68@gmail.com