Members of Bashundhara Shuvosangho, along with local residents, came together in Palashbari, Gaibandha, to collectively say “No to child marriage and drugs.”
The event featured a public awareness discussion and a human chain along the Gaibandha–Palashbari road on Wednesday morning, organised by the Palashbari Upazila branch of Bashundhara Shuvosangho.
Teachers, journalists, doctors, NGO representatives, and people from various professions joined Shuvosangho members in the awareness rally.
The discussion was held earlier at the hall room of the local NGO Palli Agragati Sangstha, with Suruj Haque Liton, president of the Palashbari Upazila branch, in the chair.
Speakers included Mahbubur Rahman Milton, head teacher of Palashbari Piari Girls’ High School; veteran journalist Nurul Islam; former UP Chairman KM Anisur Rahman Manik; teacher Sabina Akter; Rupsa Begum, Area Manager of Gono Unnayan Kendra; Humayun Ahmed Biplob, president of Gaibandha District Shuvosangho; Suraiya Akter Sumona, general secretary of the Upazila Shuvosangho; and local journalist Amitava Das Himun, among others.
Head Teacher Mahbubur Rahman Milton stressed that efforts to prevent child marriage must begin at the family level.
He said, “Many parents, due to social or financial pressure, marry off their underage daughters, thinking it will relieve their burden—but in reality, it destroys the girl’s education and dreams.”
He praised Shuvosangho’s initiative and encouraged continued awareness programs in schools.
Rupsa Begum noted that Gaibandha, being a poverty-prone district, remains vulnerable to child marriage.
“Despite administrative efforts, child marriage continues with the help of some opportunists. Only joint action from all sections of society can end this social curse,” she said, calling for greater focus on girls’ education.
Veteran journalist Nurul Islam expressed concern over the growing drug abuse among local youth.
“Drugs are spreading rapidly across Gaibandha, especially in Gobindaganj and Palashbari. Law enforcement is active, but the problem persists. Parents must build friendly relationships with their children and encourage moral and cultural values,” he urged, calling on Shuvosangho to intensify its anti-drug campaigns.
Suraiya Akter Sumona, general secretary of the Upazila branch, announced that Shuvosangho would soon organise a women’s football match as part of its awareness campaign against child marriage and drug abuse.
Following the discussion, participants formed a human chain along the Gaibandha–Palashbari road, chanting slogans such as “Say No to Child Marriage” and “Say No to Drugs.”
