Dhaka : North South University’s (NSU) Proctor’s Office, and Counseling Wellbeing Center, supported by NSU Social Service Club, organized a panel discussion on 17 July 2025 (Thursday) titled Let’s talk: Youth against Drug to observe International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking-2025, according to a press release.
The event began with the screening of an awareness video against drug abuse, that was made by the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC). Md. Masud Hossain, Director of Treatment and Rehabilitation, DNC, was present as the special guest. Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor, NSU, was session chair. Dr. Shahanur Hossain, Associate Professor & Chairman, Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Dhaka, was the keynote speaker of the panel. Dr. Md Rahanul Islam, Resident Psychiatrist, Central Drug Addiction Treatment Centre, DNC; Sadman Sadik, Author & Educator, 10 Minute School Md. Shaphawat Hossain, Student Counselor, NSU; and Professor Abdul Khaleque, Proctor, NSU; were present as panelists. Special guest Md. Masud Hossain gave an overview of the National Drug Policy, action plan, and activities of the Department of Narcotics Control. He said, “If we work together to ensure supply disruption, demand control, and harm reduction, then we can achieve the DNC’s vision of a drug addiction free Bangladesh.” Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said, “We should encourage awareness programs like our panel event today. Drug abuse not only puts a family in trouble, but also a society and even the nation. The investment for our future is young individuals and we cannot jeopardize the nation’s future by allowing them to fall victims to drug abuse.” The keynote speaker, Dr. Shahanur Hossain, discussed the significance of the day, expanding on the global context of addiction and the current scenario in Bangladesh. He said, “Drug addiction can lead people to feel frustrated, but with the correct steps and community support, we can ensure the recovery of those with drug addiction problems.” Professor Abdul Khaleque concluded the event by emphasizing NSU’s commitment to creating a comfortable and safe campus. He said, “Drug abuse is one of the few things that NSU has zero tolerance towards. NSU code of conduct takes movement against drug abuse to be a very serious issue to ensure that the university campus remains a pleasant learning environment.
