State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, stated that drugs are directly or indirectly linked to the vast majority of brutal and criminal incidents occurring across the country. He made the remarks as the chief guest during a large-scale anti-drug rally held at the Civic Center in Halishahar, organized by the Chattogram District Police on Saturday afternoon (August 22, 2026).

Addressing the gathering, the State Minister emphasized that narcotics serve as the primary catalyst behind the rise of juvenile gangs and organized crime rings, pushing society toward ruin. He noted that safeguarding the youth from substance abuse requires more than law enforcement intervention, calling for a unified movement involving citizens across all social and professional spheres.

The event featured special addresses by DIG of Chattogram Range Abdul Kuddus Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner Zahidul Islam Miah, and District Superintendent of Police Masud Alam. Civil society members, political leaders, and students from local educational institutions actively participated in the program, which kicked off with a colorful anti-drug rally that traversed key city thoroughfares before converging at the Civic Center.