Call for united efforts to curb juvenile gangs, narcotics

Speakers at an awareness seminar on Sunday stressed that police crackdowns alone cannot eliminate juvenile gangs and illicit drugs, urging families, educational institutions, and society to mount a united front.

The event, organised by the Cumilla district unit of Bashundhara Shuvosangho at the Cumilla Ideal College auditorium, drew over 300 eleventh-grade students who held up symbolic red cards against narcotics and juvenile crime.

Cumilla Assistant Superintendent of Police (Sadar South Circle) Mostain Billah Ferdous addressed the seminar as the chief guest. He highlighted that behavioural changes in adolescents serve as early warning signs requiring prompt family vigilance and institutional counselling.

"Instead of merely focusing on punitive measures after a youth commits a crime, we must work to rehabilitate and reintegrate them," he said, noting that tackling narcotics and adolescent delinquency demands coordinated efforts among police, guardians, educators, and civil society.

President of Citizens for Good Governance, Cumilla, Shah Mohammad Alamgir Khan stated that guardians must identify the root causes of behavioural shifts and instil moral grounding. Bashundhara Shuvosangho adviser and Editor of Gomti News Mobarak Hossain underscored parental supervision over peer circles, describing teen gangs as a broader societal menace.

Cumilla Ideal College Principal Mohiuddin Liton said educational institutions must build discipline and humanitarian values alongside academic instruction. Senior Lecturer of English Mohammad Imran Hossain conducted the session.

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Shuvosangho Cumilla unit President Jahid Patwary called for channelling youth energy into sports, literature, and cultural activities to insulate them from illicit temptations.

Assistant Professor of Physics Golam Mostofa and Shuvosangho Relief and Disaster Management Secretary Md Rakib Hossain were also present.

The seminar ended with Shuvosangho District General Secretary HM Mohiuddin administering an oath to students, pledging to stay clear of delinquency.