Mahidul Islam Ripon, Dinajpur

Social Welfare and Women and Child Affairs Minister Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain said, the minister said that people gradually turn to drugs from smoking. Smoking is the first step in a person's drug use. To control drugs, smoking must be controlled. Therefore, in addition to implementing laws to control smoking to prevent drugs, social awareness must be increased. There is a law on smoking, but this law is not enforced.

He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the monthly meeting of the Dinajpur District Law and Order Committee on Sunday afternoon.

He said, there are provisions for fines for smoking in public. However, it remains to be seen how well that law is being implemented. Many are seen smoking while riding motorcycles.

The minister said that if a fine of 50, 100 or 200 taka is imposed for smoking in public, it will create an impression among people that this act is a crime.

Emphasizing the need to take initiatives at the local level to prevent drugs, Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain said that committees can be formed at the ward or union level to control drugs.

Regarding child marriage, the Social Welfare Minister said that there is still a 51 percent trend of child marriage in Bangladesh. Everyone needs to be more aware to prevent child marriage.

Dinajpur Deputy Commissioner Rafiqul Islam presided over the meeting, which was attended by National Assembly Whip and Dinajpur-4 MP Md. Akhtaruzzaman Mia, Dinajpur-2 MP Md. Sadiq Riaz, Dinajpur-3 MP Syed Jahangir Alam, Dinajpur-5 MP AZM Rezwanul Haque, Superintendent of Police Zedan Al Musa and others.