Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu called for united action to eliminate drugs at a sapling distribution event in Lalmonirhat on Saturday afternoon. Speaking as chief guest at the district council hall, he said a drug-free society requires joint efforts by the government, volunteer groups, social and political leaders, and the public. The event, held under the theme “Let us decorate the country through tree planting, Bangladesh first,” distributed saplings to members of 25 volunteer organisations.

Dulu said unrestricted drug entry through the border during the previous government had harmed a large section of the country’s youth. He stressed the need to raise public awareness and build social resistance to overcome the situation. Addressing young people, he urged them to reject drugs and develop resistance against narcotics, describing them as the tools for building a new Bangladesh.

The minister said volunteers should play a leading role not only in tree planting but also in preventing drug use, gambling, casinos, child marriage and dowry. Leaders of several volunteer organisations spoke at the event. District Commissioner HM Rashedul Haque Pradhan attended, while district council administrator AKM Mominul Haque chaired the programme.