Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called for anti-drug operations involving political parties and journalists to be turned into a social movement. He made the remarks to reporters on Tuesday morning after an anti-drug awareness meeting at the conference room of the Thakurgaon deputy commissioner’s office. He said everyone should unite to eliminate drugs and do whatever is necessary for that goal.

The minister said journalists should play a positive role in building public awareness against drugs. He stressed that drug traders and people involved with the trade must be brought under the law and given exemplary punishment. He also emphasized the proper enforcement of existing laws. Fakhrul called for teachers, guardians, conscious citizens and the general public to participate together in the anti-drug movement.

After the meeting, Fakhrul visited Thakurgaon municipality and exchanged views with its officers and employees. He inspected the designated site for construction of the municipality’s new building and planted a sapling on the municipal premises. The district commissioner, police superintendent, district and municipal BNP leaders, government officials and an assistant director of the Department of Narcotics Control were among those present.