Sports, cultural activities vital to protect youths from drugs: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday stressed the need for promoting sports, cultural activities and innovation competitions across the country to protect young people from the harmful effects of drugs.

He said alternative approaches must be explored to address the drug problem, describing it as one of the biggest challenges facing the younger generation.

“Drug abuse exists more or less across the world, but its prevalence here is alarming. How many people can we arrest, how many can we provide treatment or counselling to? We have limitations in terms of capacity and resources. Therefore, we need to find alternative solutions,” he said.

He made the remarks at an exchange of views with journalists covering the BNP at the China Friendship International Conference Centre in the capital’s Agargaon.

The prime minister also sought cooperation from the media in building a humane state and promoting humanitarian values among people.

He said, “The physical and mental energy of young people aged between 15 and 25 should be channelled into positive activities. He said sports and culture are among the most effective ways to engage them, but there is a severe shortage of playgrounds across Dhaka and the country.”

Mentioning government initiatives, Tarique Rahman said the “Notun Kuri” sports and cultural competition has already been launched to utilise young people's potential.

The prime minister said innovation fairs and science fairs should be organised at district and divisional levels to develop young people's talent in science and technology.

He questioned why cultural and debate competitions are not held throughout the year at educational institutions beyond special occasions such as 16 December and 21 February. He stressed that such activities should continue year-round to engage youths in healthy pursuits.

Tarique Rahman also highlighted the need to prevent moral decline among young people and restore social values.

Referring to incidents of people recording acts of violence on mobile phones instead of intervening, he said such behaviour reflects an abnormal mindset. He called for greater practice of social and religious values from the school level.

“We need to awaken the humanitarian feelings and values that exist within us,” he said, adding that the Information Ministry has been instructed to conduct awareness campaigns on the issue.

He urged journalists to play a role in promoting social awareness and values.

During the meeting, the prime minister also answered questions from journalists on economic reforms, strengthening the rural economy and the objectives of the proposed Family Card and Farmers Card initiatives.

Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, Information State Minister Yasser Khan Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, Press Secretary Saleh Shibli, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman and senior journalists were present at the event.

Earlier, the prime minister joined lunch with the journalists attending the programme.