Md. Abdul Qaiyum, Moulvibazar

The open proliferation of the deadly drug Yaba, rising incidents of theft and night-time robbery, and unabated online gambling have sparked acute anxiety and panic among residents of Jagannathpur village in Mostafapur Union under Moulvibazar Sadar Upazila.

Locals complained that Yaba is now readily available along village roads at four to five designated spots, operating with virtually no administrative oversight or adequate police patrolling. The alarming rise in crimes has led to frequent hijackings, attacks on night-time commuters, and physical assaults on visitors and traders.

To counter the growing menace, residents of the large village—home to nearly 50,000 people and 4,500 voters—united under the banner of the 'Jagannathpur Conscious Youth Society' to launch a community resistance against drugs and anti-social activities.

A view exchange  meeting was organized on Friday night (October 9) at the premises of Abu Hurayra Jame Mosque in the village. Chaired by village elder Moiz Uddin and jointly moderated by labor leaders Md. Ujjal Mia and Abbas Uddin, the meeting was attended by Moulvibazar Sadar Model Police Station OC Saiful Islam as the guest speaker, alongside Acting UP Chairman Imran Ahmed, former UP member Shah Helal Shahel, and hundreds of local residents.

Addressing the police officer directly, former UP member candidate Babul Mia stated, "Today, there are regular robberies and hijackings in our village. Even fish sellers who come here are beaten up and driven away without payment. The reputation of this traditional suburban village is being ruined by a small gang of two to three thieves, to the extent that rickshaw drivers refuse to carry passengers here at night out of fear."

Local labor leader Md. Ujjal Mia highlighted the impact of digital addiction, noting that groups of youths engage in online mobile gambling day and night on public streets and bridges with complete disregard for community leaders. Former UP member Shah Helal Shahel pointed out specific drug hotspots, citing open Yaba transactions near the Palli Bidyut zonal office as well as Bridge No. 4 and Bridge No. 5.

Responding to the grievances, Sadar Model Police Station OC Saiful Islam assured the villagers of immediate police intervention and strengthened security measures.

"It is deeply concerning to hear about theft, drug trade, and gambling dens operating in a village so close to the town," OC Saiful Islam said. "Police patrols will be significantly increased from now on, and this village will receive special monitoring. We will maintain continuous communication with the locals to eradicate these crimes."

Citing a recent community-led anti-drug movement in Ward No. 8 of Moulvibazar town where police dismantled major drug dens with local cooperation, the OC urged Jagannathpur residents to maintain their unity to defeat criminal networks.

Local dignitaries, including Joynal Abedin Kajal, Mamun Mia, Faruk Mia, and businessman Shahid Mia (Mahaldar), also spoke at the gathering, pledging their full cooperation to restore law and order in the locality.