State Minister Tuku calls for school monitoring to curb juvenile crime, drug abuse

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku on Tuesday called for closer monitoring of schools and colleges to prevent juvenile crime and drug abuse, stressing the need for regular inspections by education officials and greater supervision of students by teachers.

He made the call while addressing the monthly meeting of the Dhaka District Law and Order Committee as the chief guest at the Dhaka Deputy Commissioner's conference room.

Tuku, who also oversees law enforcement and development activities in Dhaka district, blamed the previous government for what he described as a breakdown of the country's social fabric, saying juvenile gangs and youth involvement in crime had increased over the past 17 years.

"The previous fascist government destroyed our social fabric. Juvenile gangs were virtually non-existent in the past, but over the last 17 years, young people have been dragged into criminal activities," he said.

"This tendency must be checked immediately before it escalates further," he added.

Emphasising the role of educational institutions in tackling the problem, Tuku urged education officials to visit schools and colleges regularly and called on headteachers and principals to keep a close watch on students' activities.

"Many problems can be resolved if education officers inspect institutions regularly and principals and headmasters keep close tabs on student activities," he said, urging all stakeholders to carry out their responsibilities with sincerity.

The state minister also called on officials from all sectors, including agriculture, to perform their duties at the field level and ensure accountability.

"Everyone must uphold their moral responsibility," he said, adding that the progress and performance of each sector would be reviewed at the next monthly meeting.

Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership, Tuku said the head of government had demonstrated an open and inclusive approach to governance.

"There is no shortage of generosity, sincerity and responsibility on our part," he said.

He alleged that the previous administration had brought almost every sector to the brink of collapse, adding that restoring the country would require collective and sincere efforts.

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Tuku also said the prime minister expected all public servants to discharge their duties in accordance with existing rules and regulations.

"With full cooperation, we can meet the expectations of the public," he said.

The meeting was chaired by Dhaka Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanam, while Dhaka-6 MP Ishraq Hossain attended as the special guest.

Dhaka-4 MP Syed Zainul Abedin, reserved-seat MPs Shirin Sultana, Shammi Akhter and Sanjida Islam Tuli, Dhaka District Superintendent of Police Shamima Parveen, Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs), officers-in-charge (OCs) of different police stations, and officials from the local administration and law enforcement agencies were also present.