DEBIGANJ, PANCHAGARH, Apr 5: In a continuous anti-drug operation in Debiganj Upazila of Panchagarh, a mobile court has sentenced 23 individuals to various terms of imprisonment over the past week.
Local residents report that the administration's strict stance has begun to bring a sense of relief to the area.
According to police sources, on March 29, an operation was conducted in Debiganj municipal town, resulting in three drug users-Shahed Alam, Rubel Islam, and Jewel Islam-each being sentenced to six months in prison.
Subsequently, on March 30, in the same area, Md. Rashidul Islam, Abu Bakkar Siddique, Shahin Alam, Rashidul Islam, Abdul Aziz, and Zahirul Islam were each sentenced to one year, while Nais Islam and Hasibul Islam from the Sonahar Clubgram area received six-month sentences.
Finally, late Saturday night (April 4) around 11:30 pm, an anti-drug raid was conducted in the Bhaulaganj area of Chilahati Union in the upazila, leading to the arrest of 11 individuals. Later, the mobile court sentenced each of them to one year in prison. Those sentenced are: Md. Hanif, Md. Mister Ali, Hanif Ali, Johurul Islam, Ziaur Rahman, Roni Islam, Sumon Islam, Tokir Alam, Kamal Roy, Ragib Yasar, and Mamunur Rashid.
Local residents report that the number of drug users in Debiganj has increased alarmingly recently. Along with this, various crimes including theft and snatching have also risen, causing public concern.
Anwarul Islam, a resident of the municipal town and a college teacher, said, "The deadly sting of drugs is destroying the future of our children. To get rid of this, such drives are extremely necessary." He thanked the upazila administration and police.
Sabuj Kumar Basak, the Upazila Executive Officer of Debiganj, stated, "We are not making any concessions against drugs. We are determined to make Debiganj drug-free. The operation will continue."
Selim Malik, Officer-in-Charge of Debiganj Police Station, said, "We are following a zero-tolerance policy to ensure the safety of people's lives and property. This anti-drug drive will continue."
