The following event update was kindly shared with WFAD by our member organisation, Dhaka Ahsania Mission, highlighting a seminar on evidence-based prevention for youth held in observance of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026.

Dhaka, 21 June 2026: Professor Dr A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, MP, Minister for Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs, has called for integrated and evidence-based preventive initiatives to protect young people from the harmful effects of drug use. He stressed that drug control efforts should not be confined to law enforcement or fear-based campaigns alone; rather, sustainable and effective prevention requires coordinated, science-based and long-term interventions.

He made these remarks while addressing the seminar titled “Evidence-Based Prevention for Youth” as Chief Guest on Sunday (21 June) at the Professor Dr M. H. Khan Auditorium of Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST), Tejgaon, Dhaka, marking the observance of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026. The seminar was jointly organised by Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Dhaka Ahsania Mission and the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) Bangladesh Chapter.

The Minister emphasised that a drug-free society can only be achieved through the combined efforts of the Government, educational institutions, families and social organisations. He noted that various initiatives have been undertaken through the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs to strengthen the skills and capacities of young people through education, training and practical skill development.

The keynote paper was presented by Iqbal Masud, Director of the Health Sector at Dhaka Ahsania Mission and General Secretary of the ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter. He highlighted the importance of workplace- and school-based prevention programmes in line with international standards and emphasised the need to replace punitive approaches with rehabilitation and recovery-oriented services for drug-dependent and at-risk young people. He also called for a scientific review and evaluation of existing prevention activities implemented by the Department of Narcotics Control.

Speaking as Special Guest, Md Hasan Maruf, Director General of the Department of Narcotics Control, stated that law enforcement alone cannot address the drug problem and underscored the importance of scientific research and multi-sectoral collaboration in preventing drug use among young people.

Special Guest Dr M. A. Mohit Kamal, Chairman of the ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter, highlighted the significance of addressing adverse childhood experiences in promoting young people’s mental health. Dr S. M. Khalilur Rahman, Vice-President of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, described drug use as a public health issue and stressed the need for piloting international prevention programmes through public-private partnerships.

Delivering a video message, Dr. Mulka Nisic, Coordinator of the Faith and Youth Based Project at ISSUP, highlighted the significance of the Youth Declaration and stressed the importance of meaningful youth engagement in drug prevention efforts. 

Presiding over the programme, Professor Dr Md Ashraful Haque, Vice-Chancellor of Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, called for collective efforts to establish a drug-free campus and a healthy society. During the event, Ms. Marjana Muntaha, Coordinator of the Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing, presented commemorative souvenirs to the Minister and the Director General of the Department of Narcotics Control. Representatives from government and non-government organisations, public health experts, researchers and students attended the seminar.