Residents of Shibpasha in Ajmiriganj upazila of Habiganj launched a community initiative aimed at building a drug-free society, holding a surrender ceremony on Sunday evening at Shibpasha Nurpur Government Primary School. Organized by the Shibpasha Mohalla Committee under the slogan, “Quit drugs, or leave Shibpasha,” the event involved 84 people from wards 1, 2 and 3. They pledged to stay away from drugs and pursue healthy, normal and work-oriented lives.

The initiative seeks to raise social awareness, help people with drug addiction return to ordinary life, and protect young people from the harms of drugs. Local residents welcomed the effort, describing it as an important step in a social movement against drugs in Shibpasha. They said drug use had long contributed to social decline, family unrest and increased crime in the area.

The committee also warned that people involved with drugs would face a cash fine of Tk10,000, while anyone caught stealing in the area would face a Tk50,000 fine. Committee president Dr Sadekul Amin Chowdhury said the community would support those who surrendered as they begin a new life, and described the anti-drug campaign as an ongoing social movement.