Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has emphasized the importance of promoting sports, cultural activities, and innovation-based competitions to protect the country's youth and future generations from the devastating effects of drug abuse. He stated that unless young people’s physical and mental energy is channeled into positive and productive activities, problems such as drug addiction and other social challenges will continue to grow. Therefore, sports, culture, and creative engagement must be expanded as long-term and sustainable solutions.
He made these remarks on Tuesday (June 16) while addressing an interactive meeting with journalists at the China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka.
The Prime Minister said that drug abuse has become one of the most serious challenges facing the country's younger generation. Although the problem exists across the world, he noted that its prevalence in Bangladesh has reached an alarming level.
“How many people can we arrest, treat, or provide counseling to? Our resources and capacities are limited. Therefore, law enforcement and treatment alone cannot solve this problem. We must find alternative and preventive approaches,” he said.
Rahman pointed out that young people between the ages of 15 and 25 possess tremendous physical and mental energy. If properly guided, they can become a powerful force for national development and progress. However, the lack of opportunities for sports and constructive activities increases the risk of their involvement in various negative behaviors.
Highlighting the significance of sports, the Prime Minister noted that there is a severe shortage of playgrounds not only in Dhaka but also across the country. Rapid urbanization has reduced open spaces and sports facilities, limiting opportunities for healthy recreation and physical exercise among young people. He called upon the relevant authorities to take necessary measures to expand sports infrastructure and create more recreational spaces.
The Prime Minister also spoke about several government initiatives aimed at engaging young people in positive activities. He mentioned that the government has already launched the “Notun Kuri” Sports and Cultural Competition. According to him, nearly 2.2 million students from across the country participated in a recently concluded educational divisional event.
“Children from families of all political and social backgrounds took part in this competition. It provided an excellent platform for young talents. Unfortunately, such a massive event did not receive the level of attention it deserved from the media,” he remarked.
Beyond sports, Rahman stressed the importance of fostering innovation, science, and technology among the younger generation. He called for the regular organization of science fairs and innovation exhibitions at district and divisional levels. In his view, creating opportunities for young people to develop their innovative thinking is essential to preparing them for an increasingly technology-driven world.
Emphasizing the role of cultural activities in nation-building, the Prime Minister questioned why educational institutions organize cultural programs, debate competitions, and literary activities only on special occasions such as Victory Day or International Mother Language Day.
“There is no alternative to cultural practice in building a healthy and progressive society. These activities should not be confined to a few national observances; they must continue throughout the year,” he said.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister also expressed concern over the moral decline and erosion of social values among sections of society. He referred to incidents where people record acts of cruelty against living creatures on their mobile phones instead of intervening to stop them.
“Such behavior reflects an abnormal mindset and a serious lack of empathy. We must strengthen the practice of humanity, tolerance, and social responsibility among our children,” he said.
He emphasized the need to promote social, moral, and religious values from the school level to help build responsible and compassionate citizens.
The Prime Minister further informed journalists that the Ministry of Information has been directed to launch awareness campaigns aimed at promoting social values and preventing moral degradation among young people.
He expressed hope that coordinated efforts involving families, educational institutions, the media, and government agencies would help build a healthy, drug-free, and humane society for future generations.
During the interactive session, the Prime Minister also answered questions from journalists regarding the government's economic reform agenda, measures to strengthen the rural economy, and the objectives of the proposed “Family Card” and “Farmers’ Card” programs.
Senior government officials and veteran journalists from various media organizations were present at the event.