KISHOREGANJ, June 6: State Minister for Jute and Textiles Md Shariful Alam on Friday said stern action would be taken against anyone involved in drug-related crimes, regardless of their political affiliation.
"If leaders or activists of my own party are found involved in drugs, action will be taken against them as well. I will have no connection with such individuals. Drastic action will be taken against drug users, dealers and criminals," he said while addressing an anti-drug awareness meeting in Kuliarchar Upazila.
The state minister made the remarks as chief guest at a union-level anti-drug consultation meeting held at Lakshmipur Bazar under Gobaria Abdullahpur Union.
The programme was jointly organised by Kuliarchar Upazila Parishad and the Kishoreganj district office of the Department of Narcotics Control as part of a campaign to build a social movement against drug abuse.
Shariful Alam said authorities were preparing lists of drug users, traffickers and offenders to strengthen anti-drug initiatives.
The meeting was chaired by Kuliarchar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Yasin Khandaker.
Among the special guests were Kishoreganj Superintendent of Police Md Mizanur Rahman, district BNP Vice-President Advocate Mashiur Rahman, and Deputy Secretary Md Shahadat Hossain Kabir.
Assistant Director (Acting) of the Department of Narcotics Control in Kishoreganj, Md Enayet Hossain, presented an overview of the district's anti-drug activities and progress.
Others who spoke at the event included Officer-in-Charge of Kuliarchar Police Station Ariful Islam, Upazila BNP President Kitab Ali, General Secretary MA Hannan, Municipal BNP leader Shahadat Sumon, and Union BNP President Md Mohsin.
The event was attended by local public representatives, teachers, imams and residents from different walks of life.
Earlier in the day, the state minister laid the foundation stone of a new academic building of Lakshmipur Bimukhi High School, a project estimated by the Education Engineering Department in Kishoreganj. Local dignitaries and political leaders accompanied him during the ceremony.
He later visited the graves of late freedom fighters and former BNP leaders of Gobaria Abdullahpur Union and offered prayers.
