MM Rahmatullah: Marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami organized a youth rally and public gathering in the capital on Friday, where the party called for stronger measures to combat drug abuse and protect the country's younger generation.Addressing the rally in front of the National Press Club, Mohammad Nurul Islam Bulbul MP, a member of the party's Central Executive Council and Ameer of Dhaka South Metropolitan Jamaat-e-Islami, said the country's youth were being "devastated by the poisonous grip of drugs."He alleged that drug addiction has spread widely across society, affecting children, adolescents, young people, and increasingly women. Bulbul claimed that previous governments had failed to take effective action against drug trafficking and, in some cases, had used young people as political tools by allowing drugs and weapons to proliferate. He also criticized the current government, alleging that it has yet to launch an effective anti-drug campaign since assuming office."The youth are the driving force of the nation," he said, adding that protecting them from drug addiction is essential to building a safe, humane, and prosperous Bangladesh. He stressed that meaningful youth participation in state affairs is necessary to ensure the country's future development and stability.Bulbul also expressed concern over what he described as inadequate manpower in the Department of Narcotics Control, claiming that existing district-level staffing is insufficient to effectively curb drug trafficking. He urged the government to strengthen border controls to prevent the inflow of narcotics, take decisive action against drug syndicates, and increase the department's workforce.He alleged that narcotics are now being sold openly across the country, contributing to the moral decline of young people while criminal networks continue to profit from the illegal trade. He said Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami would extend its full cooperation to any government initiative aimed at combating drug abuse.Following the gathering, participants joined a youth rally organized by the Dhaka South Metropolitan unit of Jamaat-e-Islami. The procession began in front of the National Press Club, marched around the High Court area, and concluded at Matsya Bhaban.Among those present were Mohammad Kamal Hossain MP, a member of the party's Central Majlis-e-Shura and Assistant Secretary of Dhaka South Metropolitan Jamaat-e-Islami, Executive Council members Dr. Mobarak Hossain and Shahin Ahmed Khan, along with leaders and activists from the organization's metropolitan and thana units.