Patharghata (Barguna)  Correspondent

Chief Whip of the National Parliament Nurul Islam Moni announced a two-month deadline to eradicate illegal drugs, extortion, and land grabbing across the Barguna-2 constituency, while advocating collective action to ensure adolescent reproductive healthcare and prevent child marriage.

The Chief Whip made these remarks as the chief guest at a workshop titled "Reproductive Health and Adolescent Wellbeing Protection and Child Marriage Prevention" held at the Patharghata Upazila Parishad auditorium on Monday  

Earlier, upon his arrival at the ferry ghat en route to Patharghata, he was warmly received by thousands of local residents.

Addressing the workshop, Nurul Islam Moni emphasized the necessity of raising awareness regarding adolescent reproductive health, ensuring adequate medical care, and maintaining educational continuity for girls. He noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has introduced various initiatives, including the Family Card program, expanded educational stipends, and women's empowerment drives, to foster financial independence among women. He stated that government efforts alone remain insufficient and urged families, educational institutions, local administration, and community leaders to collaborate in eliminating child marriage and supporting girls' development.

Turning to regional law and order, the Chief Whip reiterated a zero-tolerance policy against criminal activities, pledging that illicit drug trade, extortion, unlawful land occupation, and terrorism would be cleared from the Barguna-2 constituency within the next two months.

The workshop was jointly organized by the Strengthening Parliament’s Capacity in Integration of Population and Development Issues (SPCPD) project under the Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Patharghata Upazila Administration. Chaired by A.N.M. Khalilur Rahman, Director General of the B&IT Division of the Parliament Secretariat, the event featured Member of Parliament Rafiqul Islam Jamal as special guest. Barguna Superintendent of Police Kudrat-e-Khuda, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General and Education) Animesh Biswas, Parliament Secretariat Joint Secretary Md. Al Mamun, and Barguna Press Club President Hafizur Rahman were also present alongside administrative officials and media personnel.

Following the workshop, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni inspected the Patharghata Upazila Health Complex to evaluate medical service delivery, staff shortages, and operational challenges. Emphasizing quality healthcare for the public, he assured officials that necessary measures would be undertaken to address physician shortages and improve overall hospital services.