Science-based and sustainable integrated initiatives are essential for drug prevention: State Minister for Youth and Sports

Tarikul Islam::

State Minister for Youth and Sports, Md. Aminul Haque, emphasized that effective drug prevention requires science-based, sustainable, and coordinated initiatives.
He made this statement while joining virtually as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Youth Voice for Evidence-Based Prevention: Prevent, Don’t Promote”, held on Wednesday (April at 11:00 AM in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, marking World Health Day. The seminar was jointly organized by the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) Bangladesh Chapter and Dhaka Ahsania Mission.
The State Minister noted that curiosity and risk-taking tendencies toward drugs are highest during adolescence and youth. Therefore, it is crucial to equip young people with accurate information, life skills, and positive attitudes during this stage.
The seminar was chaired by Dr. M. A. Mohit Kamal, Chairman of ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter and Professor of Psychotherapy and Psychiatry. Special guests included Professor Dr. Golam Rahman, President of Dhaka Ahsania Mission; Mohammad Golam Azam, Additional Director General (Joint Secretary) of the Department of Narcotics Control; and Professor Dr. Mehjabin Haque from the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology at the University of Dhaka. Iqbal Masud, Member Secretary of ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter and Director of the Health and WASH Sector at Dhaka Ahsania Mission, also spoke at the event.
Speakers called for shifting from traditional approaches to scientific and evidence-based strategies for drug prevention. They emphasized that drug abuse is not only a personal health issue but also a major threat to public health and future generations.
They further highlighted that addressing drug dependence requires not only treatment but also accessible, youth-friendly mental health services, recovery and rehabilitation. Reducing the availability of drugs and ensuring a positive social environment requires coordinated efforts from policymakers, youth, educational institutions, and families. Long-term investments grounded in science and human rights were identified as the most effective tools for prevention.
The seminar was moderated by Rakhi Ganguly, Senior Psychologist of the Health Sector at Dhaka Ahsania Mission. The keynote presentation was delivered by Marjana Muntaha, Coordinator of the Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing.
During the discussion, key factors contributing to youth drug use were identified, including family instability, mental health challenges, negative peer influence, stigma, trauma and social isolation. Emphasis was placed on strengthening families as the first line of prevention. Speakers also called for expanding life skills–based education in academic institutions to build informed decision-making among young people, and for involving youth in drug policy planning.
At the event, a Youth Declaration was presented, outlining recommendations for science-based drug prevention initiatives.