Bangladesh army in a drive on Wednesday destroyed seven poppy plantations at remote areas of Remacry of Tanchhi upazila in Bandarban.
Yesterday, it distributed vegetables seeds and musical instruments to indigenous people in remote areas of Bandarban close to the Myanmar border to discourage poppy cultivation and preserve indigenous culture.
A total of 29 indigenous families received seeds and instruments at Remacry of Bandarban.
A joint team of the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and police conducted the drive at Karaikashan, Ivaanman Jhiri, and it chopped down the plants before burning them.
Region Commander Brig Gen Md Emdadul Hoque, Hill Tracts District Parishad Chairman Keyshau Hla, Deputy Commissioner Mijanur Rahman, Superintendent of Police Kamrul Ahsan were also with the team.
Army Ruma zone commander Lieutenant Colonel Wasim, leading the drive, said the 14-day-long drive started on February 19 and the operation will continue to clean up areas between Remacry and Bhalupara.
Officials related to the drive said mainly Myanmar militant outfits lure Bangladeshi indigenous people into growing poppy.
The army had destroyed 122 poppy gardens in 2010 in these areas.
Sources claimed that a permanent army camp is required in the bordering area to provide indigenous people with alternative work so that they do not indulge in poppy cultivation.
Poppies are used for producing opium and other drugs like heroin.
Courtesy of The Daily Star
