Rafi Rahmatullah: Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir on Friday organized a 5-kilometre 'Run Against Drugs' in the capital, marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, as part of its week-long anti-drug awareness campaign titled "Youth Against Drugs" under the slogan "Save the Youth, Save the Nation."The event began at 7:30 am with an inaugural gathering at the Central Shaheed Minar on the Dhaka University campus, presided over by Shibir Central President Nurul Islam.Among those addressing the gathering were Dhaka-5 Member of Parliament Kamal Hossain, former Shibir Central Presidents Mohammad Yasin Arafat and Jahidul Islam, Secretary General Sibghatullah, Central Office Secretary Azizur Rahman Azad, Central Publicity Secretary and DUCSU GS SM Farhad, alongside other organizational leaders.The 5-kilometre route started from the Central Shaheed Minar and passed through TSC, Shahbagh, Katabon, Nilkhet, VC Chattar and Fuller Road before concluding at the Shaheed Minar. Besides Shibir members, the programme drew the participation of a large number of students, youths and members of the public, aiming to raise awareness about the devastating impact of drug abuse on society.Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Nurul Islam described drug addiction as a serious social menace that is destroying families, communities and the nation. He claimed that despite the government's anti-drug initiatives, the drug situation in Bangladesh continues to deteriorate, citing statistics on the number of drug users, drug-related crimes and financial losses caused by illicit trafficking.He also alleged that people campaigning against drugs frequently face violence and claimed that political patronage has enabled drug syndicates to expand. Calling for a united effort to combat drug abuse, he urged all student organizations to adopt a "zero tolerance" policy against drugs instead of using them as a political tool. He further asserted that Chhatra Shibir possesses an "experimental truth formula" capable of keeping young people completely free from drugs if implemented in educational institutions.Former Shibir President Mohammad Yasin Arafat termed drug addiction the root cause of many of society's prevailing problems. While criticizing the state's anti-drug efforts as ineffective, he called on the government to adopt a strict zero-tolerance policy against narcotics. He also warned that if the state failed to curb the menace, Chhatra Shibir would intensify its campaign against drugs.Another former president, Jahidul Islam, said Islam strictly prohibits all forms of intoxicants and stressed that strengthening religious and moral values could play a significant role in preventing drug abuse. He claimed that both current and former Shibir members remain drug-free and described initiatives such as the "Run Against Drugs" as effective platforms for engaging youth in anti-drug awareness.MP Kamal Hossain urged the government to take more effective and coordinated measures to protect the country's youth from drug addiction. He emphasized increasing manpower and logistical capacity for the Department of Narcotics Control, dismantling drug syndicates, and mobilizing patriotic citizens, students and young people to build a strong social resistance against narcotics. He also criticized the taxation policy on tobacco products in the national budget and called for stronger political commitment, adequate funding and visible enforcement to ensure a successful anti-drug campaign.Shibir Secretary General Sibghatullah highlighted the need for decisive action to curb drug trafficking, protect young people from addiction and build a physically healthy and capable generation. He reaffirmed the organization's commitment to continuing anti-drug awareness campaigns and promoting physical fitness among the country's youth.Members of the organization's Central Executive Council, leaders from various Dhaka-based units and a large number of participants from different walks of life attended the programme.