Ashiqur Rahman Chowdhury: Sreemangal (Moulvibazar) Correspondent:
On Sunday afternoon, a human chain and protest rally were organized in Sreemangal’s Choumuhana Square by citizens from all walks of life, demanding the eviction of all kinds of drug and prostitution dens, including yaba, as well as the immediate arrest and punishment of those involved in drug trafficking. Earlier at 11:30 a.m., an anti-drug protest march began from Sonar Bangla Road, circled the Station Road, and culminated in an hour-long protest rally at Choumuhana.
Speakers at the rally stated that drug dealing and the presence of prostitutes have been observed openly for a long time in various areas of Sreemangal town, such as Shaplabagh Railway Colony, Sonar Bangla Road, Arambagh, and South Varaura, as well as in other parts of the upazila. With the help of local residents and youth, police recently raided the residence of Shahida Begum, a drug dealer in Shaplabagh, and recovered cash worth several lakhs of taka, yaba pills, and local weapons from the house of Swapan, a drug lord on Sonar Bangla Road, and Anwara Begum. However, the police have not yet arrested the drug kingpin Swapan and other patrons of the prostitution business.
Local residents claim that even when drug users are caught red-handed and handed over to the police, the authorities show reluctance to take action. Occasionally, when residents propose joint raids with the police on drug and prostitution dens, the police either show disinterest or delay their response. Additionally, when locals manage to hand over offenders to the police, the culprits are released on bail shortly after and retaliate by threatening or harassing those who protested. Despite the open continuation of drug and prostitution operations for years, the authorities have failed to take action against these activities. Protesters questioned the source of the drug dealers’ and prostitutes’ apparent impunity and demanded strict measures to eliminate all known dens of drugs and prostitution in the town. They warned of a larger movement if their demands are not met promptly.
The program was attended by businessmen, teachers from schools and madrasas, religious scholars, labor leaders, and leaders of various voluntary and social organizations.
The human chain and protest rally were chaired by prominent businessman and education enthusiast Mohammad Shahin Ahmed. The speakers included Maulana M.A. Rahim Noman, leader of Hefazat-e-Islam Sreemangal; Md. Mozahidul Islam, organizer of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement; Md. Nadir Hossain, President of Volunteers for Bangladesh, Moulvibazar District; transport workers’ leader Monir Hossain; general businessman Ismail Hossain; sports organizer Kalam Ahmed; Ashiqur Rahman Chowdhury, Vice Principal of Sreemangal Ideal School; Sadiqur Rahman, Registrar of Haji Sona Mia Surjan Bibi Alia Madrasa; Maulana Robiul Islam Al Amin, General Secretary of Hilful Fuzul Islamic Welfare Association; Abdul Wahid, teacher of Baitul Aman Darul Ulum Madrasa; Ramzan Ahmed, member of Kalighat Road Sports Academy; Kallol Baidya, member of Chalantika Sports Club; and businessmen Babul Ahmed and Abir Al Azad Mainu, among others.
In his presidential speech, businessman Mohammad Shahin Ahmed, adviser of Team Dynamic and Kalighat Road Sports Academy, said, “Drugs pose a serious threat to any family or society. The scourge of drugs is leading the youth towards destruction, increasing crime rates, and disrupting societal order. Drugs are destroying families and communities. The number of female and teenage drug addicts in the town’s streets and neighborhoods is alarmingly on the rise. If drug addiction is not controlled, it will take on a devastating form in society.”
The human chain and protest rally were joined by people from all walks of life.
In response to the issue, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sreemangal Police Station, Md. Aminul Islam, stated, “We are conducting regular operations to prevent drugs, yaba, and antisocial activities. Recently, we have arrested several drug traffickers, including female drug dealers, from Shaplabagh Railway Colony and Sonar Bangla Road and sent them to court. The police’s operations to combat all kinds of drugs and antisocial activities are ongoing.”
