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| Geneva Camp, Image : Collected |
Introduction to Geneva Camp
Geneva Camp is a densely populated area spread over an area of ​​about 25 acres in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, originally built for Bihari Muslims. After the 1971 War of Independence, many Urdu-speaking Bihari Muslims remained in the region. Although these Biharis wanted to go to Pakistan, many could not and after the independence of the new Bangladesh, they were deprived of their civil rights. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) temporarily established a camp for them called "Geneva Camp", which has since become a permanent settlement.
People here live in a restricted environment, where civic amenities and quality of life are very poor.
The rise of the drug trade
Drug trade is a major problem in the Geneva camp today. The camp's narrow lanes, high population density and limited police presence make it a safe place for such activities. Local and influential drug dealers actively sell drugs in some parts of the camp, which has created the availability of drugs throughout the camp. Many youths in the camps are becoming addicted to drugs, endangering both their health and future.
Effects of the drug trade
The social environment of the camp is also severely damaged due to drug trade. As drug addiction increased, criminal activities such as theft, robbery and violence also increased. Many are getting involved in the drug trade due to their financial problems, which is having a negative impact on the entire camp.
Law enforcement action
The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the police have been conducting regular raids on the Geneva camp in an effort to control the drug trade. Although many criminals have been arrested, the drug trade has not been completely eradicated. Some powerful local groups and criminal syndicates continue the drug trade in the camps, which the administration has to step up to control.
Recently, law and order forces have started a joint operation in various sabotage incidents including robbery, robbery, murder in Mohammadpur area of ​​the capital. In the last two days, at least 79 people have been arrested in various areas of Mohammadpur in joint operations with police, RAB and army. The police said that more steps have been taken to restore peace and order in the area.
Human problems and actions
Law enforcement alone is not enough to solve the drug problem. Society needs to increase cooperation and employment to bring positive changes in the lives of camp people. Anti-drug awareness programs and skill development training programs can be conducted for the youth, so that they do not turn to drug trade for livelihood.
The drug trend in Geneva camp is a big threat not only to the area but to the entire Dhaka city. Through active efforts of the government, law enforcement surveillance and humanitarian assistance, it is possible to bring about changes in the environment of the camps, which will help in creating a safe and drug-free society.
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Bangladesh