Published: 12:17 AM, 02 November 2026
Zero Cultural Engagement Leads to Juvenile Delinquency
Rifat Munir Eti
It is indeed alarming to note that fatal drugs like Yaba and Ice have become so available in the recent days and Generations Zoomer can easily reach them through using network connection. Drug dealing, though a punishable offence, even seems common and not a matter of concern at all.
A matter of concern means whenever we are talking about the drugs and its consequences on our lives, we must at first pay heed to our children. Guardians, teachers, senior members of the society, the law and enforcement agencies and overall the government should take necessary steps before it is too late to protect our youngsters from the black hole of juvenile delinquency.
Now , how can we solve the problem? Most of the guardians complain that their children are out of their control, and they do not even listen to them properly. There was a time, when book reading, debate competitions, Science fair, recitation, dance and song competition, writing, staging drama , all sorts of in and outdoor games were all a favourite pastime for the young people.
Time has changed, but not our cultural heritage. We even now celebrate our six seasons in a different way. So, if from the school level we try to make our children busy with the cultural programs more , along with tree plantation it will help them a lot . Two major poets Rabindranath Tegore and Kazi Nazrul Islam’s songs, drama based on their short story, songs and dance competition will contribute a lot in this regard.
If even they keep themselves busy with preparing scripts for debate compilation based on social and moral issues , will definitely act as a retardant of taking or dealing with drugs. Our juvenile delinquency is related to this very much, and some of the spots have already been identified as crime zones, where even during day time many clashes take place due to power exercise or showing outward movement.
Cultural activities, and the involvement from school days can help a lot of students to be more attached to our own roots. It makes the mind soft and the kids kind hearted, and mostly it will keep them aloof from taking drugs and to use them as a tool for the business. Should be noted that city slums , where the kids are often collected , drop out from their study , often going beyond control. Their criminal activities are blamed though we are taking no special care of them .
It is high time to get them busy , to make them free, to cultivate their inner thoughts and to explore their innovative ideas. It is the time to save them from the cruelty and odds which may hinder their path to go forward.
Rifat Munir Eti is an
author and columnist
based in Dhaka.
