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Country must be freed from drugs at all costs: Cultural Minister
Published : Tuesday, 1 September, 2026 at 7:18 PM
Observer Correspondent
Cultural Affairs Minister Advocate Nitai Roy Chowdhury has said the country must be freed from drugs at any cost, adding that the nation's youth cannot be saved unless drug abuse is eliminated.
To keep the young generation away from drug addiction, cultural activities are being expanded across the country, he said as the chief guest at an exchange meeting on Magura district's cultural and development activities on Tuesday (September 1) afternoon. The meeting was held in the Deputy Commissioner's conference room.
The Cultural Minister said youth are the greatest strength of a country, but drug addiction is destroying that power. A social movement must be built against drugs, alongside involving youth in healthy entertainment and creative activities. Cultural initiatives are being increased across various areas to achieve this goal.
He stated, "One of the main reasons for expanding our cultural activities is to pull people away from drug addiction. If a fire breaks out in a locality, even the place of worship is not spared."
Nitai Roy Chowdhury added that drug control is not possible through law enforcement alone. Families, society, educational institutions, and cultural organizations must work together. Engaging youth in sports, literature, music, drama, and painting will keep them away from the dangers of drugs.
Criticizing the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the minister said a fascist regime held power under the impression that no force could oust them, comparing their security to an impenetrable fortress.
He alleged that enforced disappearances, torture, and oppression occurred during that period, with thousands vanished and secret detention centers like 'Aynaghar' set up. Banks and financial institutions were looted to siphon vast sums abroad, political leaders faced hundreds of cases, and the judiciary was manipulated. He added that voting took place in the dead of night.
He urged drawing lessons from past events to build a discrimination-free, democratic, and culturally rich Bangladesh, stressing the need for cultural practices at every level of society.
The Cultural Minister announced that a five-day Nazrul practice and cultural program will be held sequentially in public and private primary schools nationwide starting Wednesday (September 2).
The events will introduce children to the literature, music, and life philosophy of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, alongside competitions in dance, singing, painting, extempore speech, and drama.
Nitai Roy Chowdhury noted that involving children in culture and creativity from an early age helps keep them away from drugs, terrorism, and criminal activities.
The exchange meeting covered Magura's cultural practices, development initiatives, ongoing public department projects, and future plans.
Chaired by Magura Deputy Commissioner Md Motakabbir Ahmed, the meeting was attended by Magura-1 MP Alhaj Monowar Hossain Khan, heads of various government departments, cultural personalities, and local dignitaries. Attendees emphasized expanding local cultural activities and strengthening anti-drug social movements.
-MEA/SA
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
