In Naogaon, drugs are easily accessible, and the youth are on a path to destruction.

Daily Bijoy News, Badalgachi, Naogaon Correspondent:

In Naogaon, drugs are easily accessible, and the youth are on a path to destruction. The drug trade has increased in Naogaon. In more than 15 identified spots in the district town, drug transactions are taking place. As a result, the number of drug addicts has risen across the city. Local residents allege that kidnappings are occurring in the city to fund drug activities. It has been learned that organized drug trafficking groups have become active in Naogaon. Recently, there has been a sudden and alarming increase in incidents of kidnapping, theft, and snatching. Alongside homes, business establishments are also being targeted. Additionally, incidents of motorcycle and cattle theft have risen. Concerned citizens report that drug transactions are ongoing in more than 15 identified spots in the district town, including areas like Colony, Tajer Mor, Fish Market, Medicine Market, Chokpran, Shahi Mosque area, Mridha Para, Kalitala, RG Naogaon North Para, RG Naogaon Dangapara, Faiz Uddin College adjacent to Durgapur area, and Eidur Bot Toli. After dusk, these areas become hubs for drug trade. They claim that due to the lack of action by law enforcement, drugs have become easily accessible.

Alongside the district town, drug abuse is also spreading across the upazilas. Locals expect law enforcement to take immediate steps to shut down these drug hotspots. On the condition of anonymity, 10-12 retail drug dealers revealed that it is impossible to survive in the drug trade without managing the police. They are running their businesses by managing the concerned authorities. College students like Arman Hossain, Enamul Haque, and Rakibul Islam, along with 18-20 others, stated that Naogaon has become a safe haven for drug dealers. The younger generation is being destroyed by the grip of drugs, which is extremely concerning for the future. They demand that illegal drug operations be stopped immediately and those involved be brought under the law.

When contacted, Lokman Hossain, Assistant Director of the District Department of Narcotics Control, stated that four law enforcement agencies are working to control drugs in Naogaon. Their operations are ongoing round the clock, with drugs being seized and dealers being arrested. Additional Superintendent of Police Gaziour Rahman of Naogaon District Police, when contacted, said that they are regularly arresting drug dealers based on a list, and officials from the Department of Narcotics Control are also working alongside them. He mentioned that 30 drug dealers were recently arrested and highlighted that community policing initiatives, awareness meetings, and other measures are being taken to combat drugs.

Daily Bijoy News / Md. Sarwar Hossain Apu