Dhaka: International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is being observed in the country today (Saturday) and elsewhere in the world to face the threat of drug addiction and trafficking.

In Bangladesh, different socio-cultural organisations chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the day with a call to create a society free from drug abuse.

Different government offices and non-government organisations formed a human chain stretching from National Press Club to Shilpakala Academy today at about 9am.

The Drug Control Directorate is organizing a discussion at the Shilpakala Academy auditorium in the morning.
 
In December 1987 the UN General Assembly decided to observe June 26 as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The UN was determined to help create an international society free of drug abuse.

This resolution recommended further action with regard to the report and conclusions of the 1987 International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Both the president Zillur Rahman, and the prime minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion.

The president called upon all to come forward for prevention of spread of drugs and its abuse. He also called for protecting the youths from the menace of drug.

In another message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called for protecting our youth community from drug addiction.

BDST: 1130am; 26 June 2010
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