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Bangladesh

Minister Declares Zero Tolerance on Drugs

Khabor Wala Desk

Published: 16th March 2026, 1:06 PM

Minister Declares Zero Tolerance on Drugs

In a firm commitment to protect the youth from the devastating impact of narcotics, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan MP has declared a policy of zero tolerance against drugs.

The announcement was made on Monday, 16 March, during a special meeting of the law enforcement committee held in Gournadi Upazila, Barisal. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, the minister stressed that any involvement of political activists or leaders in drug-related activities will be met with strict legal action, without exception.

“No one will be spared if found connected with drug trafficking or abuse. The law will take its course without discrimination,” the minister stated.

In addition, Minister Swapan instructed local authorities to ensure that the upcoming Eid travel period proceeds smoothly, urging the Gournadi Model Police Station and the Highway Police Station to take proactive measures to prevent passenger inconvenience.

The meeting was chaired by Upazila Executive Officer Md. Ibrahim and attended by key officials including District Commissioner Khairul Alam Sumon and Superintendent of Police A.Z.M. Mostafizur Rahman.

Other participants included law enforcement and administrative figures, as well as representatives from political and media sectors, highlighting a collaborative approach to combating drug issues.

Name & Designation Role at Meeting Key Contribution
Abu Saleh Md. Ansar Uddin Additional Superintendent, Gournadi Circle Police Spoke on law enforcement strategies against drugs
Polash Sarkar Upazila Livestock Officer Advised on community engagement initiatives
Dr. Fakhrul Islam Mridha Upazila Health & Family Planning Officer Highlighted health impacts of drug abuse
Md. Mahbubur Rahman O.C. (Investigation), Gournadi Model Police Shared investigative measures
Md. Shamim Sheikh O.C., Highway Police Station Outlined passenger safety during Eid travel
Syed Sarwar Alam Biplob Upazila BNP Convenor Expressed political support for zero-tolerance policy
Zahir Sajjad Hannan Member Secretary Coordinated policy implementation measures
Zahurul Islam Zahir President, Gournadi Press Club Represented media perspectives
Gias Uddin Mia Former Press Club President Advocated community awareness initiatives
Khondokar Moniruzzaman & Kazi Al Amin Journalists Reported key proceedings and public concerns

The minister’s declaration marks a significant step towards a stricter anti-drug policy at the local level, signalling zero leniency for violators and emphasising the collaborative effort required between law enforcement, government officials, political figures, and media to safeguard the younger generation from the scourge of drugs.

This initiative is expected to not only strengthen law enforcement operations in Barisal but also raise public awareness about the consequences of drug abuse and the role of civic vigilance in maintaining community safety.

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