Dhaka: Terming drug abuse a national problem, Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Hoque on Tuesday underscored the need for concerted efforts to fight the menace.

‘It’s not possible for any individual, group, department or the government to contain the drug abuse. A social movement should be forged against the abuse of drugs, and it’ll have to start from the family level,’ he said.

The IGP was addressing the inaugural session of the weeklong Anti-Drug Debate Festival at Cirdap Auditorium in the city.

Debate for Democracy and the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) jointly organised the debate programme.

DNC Director General Khandakar Rakibur Rahman also spoke on the occasion.

The IGP said controlling the spread of illegal drugs is only possible through enforcing laws. ‘We’ve been trying to break the supply chain of illegal drugs. Besides, if anyone is arrested along with illegal drugs, we file cases against them to bring them to justice.’

He continued: ‘If we can make our people, especially target people like the youth and the worker community, conscious, the consumption of illegal drugs will come down sharply.’

United efforts, including administrative actions and raising awareness, can reduce the abuse of drugs in the country, Shahidul Hoque added.

Chairperson of Debate for Democracy Hassan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron presided over the inaugural session.

In the first debate of the festival, Shaheed Police Smrity College defeated Viqarunnisa Noon School and College.

Besides, St Joseph Higher Secondary School, Dhaka Cantonment Girls Public School and College, Dhaka Commerce College, Siddheswari Girls College, Mohammadpur Preparatory Girls High School & College, and South Point College participated in the debate competitions on the opening day.