NARAYANGANJ Correspondent :
Drugs can destroy not only a family but also the potential of an entire generation. Amid growing concerns over the spread of narcotics across different parts of Bangladesh, the administration in Rupganj upazila of Narayanganj has launched a sustained crackdown against drug-related activities.
Under the leadership of Rupganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Saiful Islam, the administration has been conducting regular anti-drug drives over the past several months. Both drug dealers and users are being brought under legal action, with cases arising from police operations as well as complaints from family members.
According to upazila administration sources, more than 400 drug dealers and users have been sentenced to different terms of imprisonment and fined through various drives conducted across Rupganj over the past four months.
Since taking charge, UNO Saiful Islam has adopted a strict stance against drugs, illegal land occupation and adulteration. Alongside enforcement operations, the administration has also undertaken various initiatives to raise public awareness about the harmful effects of narcotics.
Officials said regular raids and strict enforcement have significantly reduced drug-related activities in several areas of Rupganj. Places previously accused of being open locations for drug sales and consumption are now under increased administrative surveillance.
Ashikur Rahman, an administrative official at the upazila, said the UNO had launched a comprehensive campaign to protect young people from drug abuse.
“Over the past four months, more than 400 drug dealers and users have been sentenced to different terms of imprisonment and fined through mobile courts,” he said. “The UNO is working not only on law enforcement but also on creating public awareness against drugs.”
Local residents said Saiful Islam’s role extends beyond enforcement. They said he has also tried to assist poor, sick and vulnerable people who travel from distant areas to the upazila administration office seeking help.
Residents including Rahela Khatun and Juel Mia said the UNO has earned a reputation as both a strict administrator and a compassionate public official. They believe such personal commitment can play an important role in restoring public confidence in the administration.
Members of the local civil society said combating narcotics cannot be the responsibility of law enforcement agencies alone. They said UNO offices, executive magistrates, police officials, elected representatives and other field-level authorities need to work together to build an effective response against drug abuse.
They believe the recent experience in Rupganj demonstrates the potential of coordinated action, regular raids, strict enforcement and public awareness campaigns.
According to them, if field-level officials across the country’s upazilas and districts adopt similar sustained initiatives, the spread of narcotics could be brought under greater control. They stressed that simply having laws is not enough; consistent enforcement and a visible administrative commitment are also essential to reducing crime.
UNO Md. Saiful Islam said, “I am serving as an employee of the Republic. I am determined to help the government maintain law and order and a healthy social environment in the area.”
The ongoing campaign in Rupganj, therefore, is not merely an anti-drug operation in one upazila. It highlights how active and committed field administration can contribute to confronting a major social problem. Officials and local stakeholders believe similar initiatives elsewhere could help build a stronger and more sustainable social resistance against drug abuse.
