Staff Correspondent

Identifying dowry and narcotics as deadly social evils, State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin MP has called on individuals to initiate change within their own families to free society from these menaces.

"To transform society, we must first change our own mindsets and intentions. Relying on others will not solve these issues; saving society from the horrors of dowry and drugs must begin at home," he said.

The state minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a conference titled "Our Duties in Establishing a Dowry and Drug-Free Society", organized by the Anjumane Rajaria Trust at the LGED Hall in Sholashahar, Chattogram city on Saturday night.

Helal noted that while people often preach religious and moral values, they simultaneously place immense pressure on brides' families during weddings under the guise of dowry demands and oversized wedding parties.

"Women around us face abuse every day because of dowry demands. If we treat our daughters-in-law with the same dignity and compassion we extend to our own daughters, the oppression of dowry will vanish from society.

Addressing the rising trend of substance abuse and the erosion of social values, the land minister warned that drugs are pushing youth towards ruin and social chaos.

"To overcome the severe degradation of ethics and social values experienced over the past 17 years, there is no alternative to building a united social movement. In local neighborhoods, criminals do not remain hidden.

Presided over by Muhammad Abul Kashem Nuri, the conference was attended by prominent Islamic scholars and local dignitaries.