Parliamentary committee suggests measures to keep youth away from drugs

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Youth and Sports today (7 October) recommended expanding training for unemployed young people and organising regular sports competitions at upazila level to keep youths away from drugs and engage them in productive activities.

The recommendation was made at the committee's first meeting held at the parliament complex, with its chairman Md Abul Khair Bhuiyan presiding.

The committee was briefed through a presentation on the activities of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and its departments and agencies.

It was also informed about various activities undertaken by the ministry under the government's 180-day programme.

The committee recommended taking extensive promotional measures through electronic, print and online media to increase publicity for the 'Notun Kuri Sports 2026-27 (Season-2)' programme.

It also called for bringing unemployed young men and women under various training programmes and arranging regular sports events every year at upazila level across the country.

The committee stressed the need for project officials to perform their duties with integrity, dedication and accountability in implementing development projects.

It recommended strict monitoring and quality control to prevent contractors from using substandard construction materials in development works.

The committee also called on the relevant members of parliament to take necessary initiatives in their respective constituencies to construct a playground in every union in line with the Prime Minister's election manifesto.

It further recommended taking steps to construct biogas plants across the country in phases.

The committee stressed the need to ensure the safety of women athletes and prevent any form of harassment, recommending a zero-tolerance policy in this regard.

Members of the committee and officials of the ministry and its agencies attended the meeting.