BNP Leaders Call for Collective Action to Eliminate Drugs, Address Civic Problems

leaders have called for concerted efforts to eliminate drug abuse and address longstanding civic problems, including waterlogging, inadequate drainage, poor road conditions, waste management and the need for greater tree plantation in the capital.

They made the call at a discussion meeting titled “Exchange of Views Meeting-2026”, organized by the BNP’s Ward No. 60 unit under Kadamtali Police Station. The meeting focused on drug eradication, improvement of water drainage, roads and drains, waste management and tree plantation.

Dhaka South City BNP Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin attended the meeting as the chief speaker, while Haji Yusuf Ali Bhuiya, president of BNP Ward No. 60, chaired the programme. In his speech, Tanvir Ahmed Robin said he had contacted the relevant authorities before the election to address the longstanding gas and electricity problems in the area, in line with his electoral commitments.

He said waterlogging and drainage problems also require government intervention, while the gas crisis has persisted for years. “The gas problem has been continuing since the previous government’s tenure. The government is making efforts to resolve it,” Robin said, adding that the government needs public cooperation to address the crisis amid the ongoing geopolitical situation and instability in the Middle East.

Robin also said the existing budget allocated for road development would not be sufficient to resolve all the problems in the area. He urged the Dhaka South City Corporation administration to take steps to establish a permanent waste disposal facility and construct a playground for local residents. Calling for stronger action against drug abuse, he urged BNP leaders and activists to build a social movement against drugs at the grassroots level.

As the chief guest, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator and freedom fighter Abdus Salam urged people to remain vigilant and cooperate with the government in implementing development programmes. Emphasizing the importance of strengthening the party organization, he said political organizations must remain strong to effectively serve the people and address their concerns. Abdus Salam said a three-month programme has been undertaken to prevent dengue. He also expressed hope that an improvement in the situation in the Middle East would contribute to resolving the gas crisis.

Speaking about battery-powered autorickshaws, the DSCC administrator said initiatives would be taken to gradually introduce solar-powered alternatives. He also said hawkers would not be allowed to occupy public spaces indiscriminately and that designated spaces would be arranged for them, including the introduction of holiday markets. He further stressed the need for proper registration of autorickshaws and said illegal activities would be brought under control. On drug trafficking, Abdus Salam said drugs enter the country through border routes and called for cooperation from local residents alongside law enforcement agencies to curb the problem.

He urged citizens to give the government an opportunity to implement development activities, saying that resolving local problems would require cooperation between the authorities and residents. Shirin Sultana, a Member of Parliament from a reserved seat for women, called for united efforts to eliminate drug abuse. She also urged people to remain vigilant and raise awareness about drug abuse and other social problems.

Among those present at the meeting were Haji Monir Hossain Chairman and Haji Mir Hossain Miru, joint conveners of Dhaka South BNP; Haji Jummon Chairman, Jafar Ahmed, Haji Tofail Ahmed, Anwar Kabir, Haji Zakir Hossain, Haji Mozammel Hossain and Haji Yusuf Ali, along with other local BNP leaders and activists. The meeting also discussed various issues affecting residents of Ward No. 60, including drug abuse, water drainage, roads and drains, waste management, the need for a playground and tree plantation.

The speakers emphasized identifying local problems and taking coordinated initiatives with the relevant authorities to ensure sustainable solutions and improve the overall quality of life for residents.