Patuakhali Correspondent: A Member of Parliament has announced a cash reward for anyone who provides credible information leading to action against drug traffickers, describing the initiative as part of a broader campaign to build a drug-free and safer society.

Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, Member of Parliament for the Patuakhali-2 (Bauphal) constituency and a central executive council member of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, made the announcement while addressing a public awareness meeting organized by the Bauphal Upazila Administration on Tuesday.

Speaking as the chief guest, the lawmaker said that any individual who provides information about drug dealers would receive a cash reward of Tk 5,000 from him personally. He also assured that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential to ensure their safety.

"The fight against drugs requires a zero-tolerance policy," Dr. Masud said, urging residents of Bauphal to actively cooperate with law enforcement and the local administration in identifying those involved in the illegal drug trade.

In a significant policy proposal, the MP said he had raised the issue in Parliament, advocating for the establishment of a Department of Drug Eradication instead of the existing Department of Narcotics Control.

According to Dr. Masud, the term "drug control" implies regulating the sale and distribution of narcotics, whereas "drug eradication" reflects a commitment to eliminating the drug trade altogether.

He argued that Bangladesh should pursue a policy aimed at completely banning the production, sale, and distribution of illegal drugs to protect the country`s youth from addiction.

The MP also alleged that successive governments had focused on controlling rather than eliminating narcotics because powerful syndicates operate from within the state apparatus. The remarks reflect his political position and were made during the public discussion.

The discussion meeting focused on several pressing social issues, including the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media, domestic violence, juvenile gangs, online gambling, and drug abuse.

Dr. Masud stressed that building a peaceful, safe, and humane society requires coordinated efforts by families, educational institutions, religious organizations, political leaders, the administration, and responsible citizens.

He called for a social movement to protect young people from the growing threats of drugs, online gambling, and juvenile crime. He also urged citizens to remain vigilant against rumors and misinformation and to help preserve communal harmony.

The meeting, chaired by Bauphal Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saleh Ahmed, brought together teachers, religious leaders, politicians, journalists, civil society representatives, and elected public officials.

Officer-in-Charge of Bauphal Police Station, Md. Sirajul Islam, along with several other speakers, emphasized that combating misinformation, strengthening family values, preventing drug abuse and online gambling, and eliminating juvenile gangs require active participation from every section of society.

They called for greater unity and cooperation among citizens, community leaders, educational institutions, and government agencies to address these interconnected social challenges.

Among those present were local leaders from different political parties, including Bauphal Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Maulana Md. Rafiqul Islam and Bauphal Upazila BNP General Secretary Appel Mahmud Firoz, as well as religious scholars, journalists, members of civil society, and teachers from various educational institutions.

The announcement of a financial incentive for informants marks an unusual community-based approach to tackling narcotics at the constituency level. Whether the initiative proves effective will depend on the credibility of information received, law enforcement response, and sustained cooperation between local authorities and residents.

With concerns over drug abuse, online gambling, misinformation, and youth violence continuing to grow across Bangladesh, the discussions in Bauphal reflect broader national efforts to encourage public participation in maintaining law and order while promoting social responsibility.