Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar said on Sunday that young boys and girls are being lured into drug addiction by a powerful syndicate.
"We must fight against this syndicate to eliminate this issue," she said at a discussion and award distribution ceremony celebrating International Women's Day at the Dhaka Ahsania Mission Head Office Auditorium in Dhaka, reports UNB.
She mentioned that various companies are deliberately targeting the youth, particularly through continuous efforts to draw them into drug use.
The adviser highlighted the significant social barriers that make it difficult for drug-addicted youth, especially girls, to receive treatment at rehabilitation centers. While treatment can help women return to normal life, the bigger challenge lies in how society accepts them after their recovery.
"We aim for a future where drug addicts no longer need to come to treatment centers," she added.
Farida also expressed that drug addicts should not be viewed as criminals, but rather as victims of their circumstances. She further said that addicts should not receive the same treatment as criminals.
The adviser pointed out that her ministry provides essential nutrition through meat, but noted that women in the country are still lagging behind in terms of nutrition. "When discussing women's rights, we must also focus on their nutritional rights," she said.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
