PM takes tough stance on drugs

FT ONLINE

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday vowed to continue campaign against drug dealing despite growing criticism among human rights groups and rival political parties for the rising death toll from security forces’ raids.

Responding to a question at a news briefing in Dhaka on the outcome of her two-day visit to India, Hasina said: “Drugs spread like a disease in society.”

Hasina renewed her pledge to toughen the anti-drug campaign in which at least 117 people have so far died.  “Nobody will be spared—however influential he may be.”

"At least 10,000 people were arrested in a nationwide sweep by security forces.

Responding to a query that some innocent people are being victimised of the anti-narcotic drive, she said steps will be taken if any innocent person falls victim to the ongoing dive against narcotics.

She also stressed the need for continuation of the drive in the county and termed the drug abuse as a disease.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina went to the West Bengal, India on May 25 on a two-day official visit. During the visit, Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi jointly inaugurated 'Bangladesh Bhaban' at Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan. They also had a meeting with Modi at Bangladesh Bhaban.

Sheikh Hasina also attended Visva Bharati Convocation ceremony as the Guest of Honour.

The prime minister received Honorary Degree of Doctor of Literature at Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol.

She also had a meeting with Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banarjee.

Besides, the PM visited historic 'Jorasanko Thakur Bari', the residence of Rabindranath Tagore, and Netaji Museum in Kolkata.