We would like to share the Media Release by our Member “Dhaka Ahsania Mission”, presenting the their recent Youth Forum “Youth Stands Against Drugs”. During the Youth Forum, they highlighted the recently published Global Youth Declaration on Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery, in which the voices of youth share 6 recommendations on how to include youth in decision-making and which services to improve.

Media Release: Dhaka, August 23, 2025 — A youth assembly titled “Youth Stands Against Drugs” was held today to demand evidence-based responses to drug related challenges. The gathering took place at 1:00 PM on Saturday (August 23) in front of the Aparajeyo Bangla on the University of Dhaka campus, organized by the Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing.

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the Global Youth Declaration on Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery 2025 by Marjana Muntaha, Coordinator of the Youth Forum. The declaration reflects a growing global movement of young people advocating for change rooted in science, empathy, and solidarity.

The Declaration was first launched on March 12, 2025, during the 68th Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna, at a side event hosted by the Drug Free America Foundation. It was developed by the Global Youth Core Group and represents the perspectives of youth from around the world.

In Dhaka, the Youth Forum emphasized that local action is part of this global movement. They called on policymakers and communities for officially adopt and implement the Global Youth Declaration as a foundation for evidence-based prevention efforts

Abu Fayez, youth leader, stated “We don’t just believe in anti-drug slogans; we demand practical and effective measures that can truly save young lives.”

Foysal Hossain, a university student, added “To stay free from drugs, we need compassionate healthcare, evidence-based prevention, and an inclusive society built on empathy without stigma or discrimination.”

Mahthir Sun, youth activist, remarked “The solution to the drug problem lies not in emotional responses, but in research-driven, effective initiatives. We are demanding that change.”

The Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing believes that by raising their voices and taking action, young people in Bangladesh are standing in solidarity with their peers across the world to champion evidence-based and inclusive approaches to drug prevention, treatment and recovery.