Integrated approach needed to keep youths free from drugs: AZM Zahid

Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain has called for integrated and evidence-based preventive measures to protect young people from the harmful effects of drug use.

He said drug control efforts should not be limited to law enforcement or fear-based campaigns, but require long-term initiatives based on scientific evidence.

The minister made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled “Evidence-Based Prevention for Youth” as the chief guest at Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Dhaka on Sunday.

The seminar was organised by AUST, Dhaka Ahsania Mission and the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) Bangladesh Chapter to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026.

Dr Zahid said the government, educational institutions, families and social organisations must work together to build a drug-free society.

"To free the country from the scourge of drugs, we must build a social movement involving all sections of society. Only then can we establish a humane and welfare-oriented Bangladesh," he said.

He said the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs have taken different initiatives to enhance the skills and capacities of young people through education, training and practical skill development.

In his keynote presentation, Iqbal Masud, director of the Health Sector at Dhaka Ahsania Mission and general secretary of ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter, stressed the importance of school- and workplace-based prevention programmes following international standards.

He said punitive approaches should be replaced with rehabilitation and recovery-oriented services for young people affected by drug dependence or those at risk.

Md Hasan Maruf, director general of the Department of Narcotics Control, said law enforcement alone cannot address the drug problem.

He said the department is focusing on scientific research to assess the effectiveness of preventive programmes and highlighted the need for cooperation among government agencies, non-government organisations and educational institutions.

Dr MA Mohit Kamal, chairman of ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter, spoke about the impact of adverse childhood experiences on the mental health of young people.

Dr SM Khalilur Rahman, vice-president of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, said drug abuse is not only a law and order issue but also a public health concern, requiring pilot projects through public-private partnerships.

AUST Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Ashraful Haque, who chaired the seminar, called for collective efforts to build a drug-free campus and a healthy society.

Representatives from government and non-government organisations, public health experts, researchers and students attended the event.