DHAKA: The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed today (Saturday) in the country as elsewhere in the world to sensitize people against the threat of drug addiction and trafficking.

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

Different government offices and non-government organisations formed a human chain stretching from the National Press Club to Shilpakala Academy at 9am as part of the campaign against the drug menace.

The Department of Narcotics Control organized 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 from 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.

President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion.

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

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called for protecting the youth community from drug addiction.

BDST: 1130am; 26 June 2010
SMS/MUA