Spotlight

The power is ours

Wasia Mehnaz Minna

Tell me what are the prevailing sentiments that occupy the minds of your young men, and I will tell you what is to be the character of the next generation." Edmund Burke

I wonder what Edmund Burke would say about the future generation of our country if he got to read the blazing headlines making rounds of our national dailies for the past couple of weeks. Apparently, Yaba, in recent times, had been the hottest 'forbidden fruit' luring scores of youngsters into its deadly grasp. Most of the Yaba users are students of O Levels, A Levels and private universities hailing from posh areas of the capital city like Gulshan, Banani and Dhanmondi. Since most of these spoilt brats have the privilege of being linked to influential people of the society, they could easily get away with their stealthy activities when the political parties were in power. Thank God, that is not the case any more.

A composite of methamphetamine and caffeine, the drug is claimed to create an intense hallucinogenic effect and can keep users awake for days on end. It is also said to help in weight loss, which explains why so many young girls are flocking towards this drug. However, Yaba is very addictive and regular use can cause lung and kidney disorders, hallucinations and paranoia. Other side effects include sweating, dehydration, irritability, insomnia and depression. Those coming off the drug are also susceptible to severe depression and suicidal urges. Don't these alarming side effects make you wonder what is wrong with the young generation of our country? Where have their brains gone?

Apparently, these people come from well-to-do families and go to good educational institutions where they are taught moral values and discipline, self-respect and integrity. I am shocked that these moral values seem to have had no effect on these young minds whatsoever. What is more shocking is that these youngsters fail to understand the implications that Yaba might have on their health and mental state. Why such literate people purposely push themselves towards a slow and painful death is beyond my understanding. If an illiterate man gets involved in stuff that cause harm to him, that's understandable because he does not know much and cannot fathom the severity of the consequences that he'll ultimately face. But we certainly do not expect similar behavior from people who pay thousands of taka a month to get themselves educated. What is the purpose of this education if one cannot even differentiate between wrong and right? What good are these luxury cars and pockets full of hard cash when the mind can't find peace for a single second and everything seems irritating? Can these wretched pills do anything besides spoil one's life and ensure a painful death? We all know the answer can never be in the affirmative.

The youth of a country are its biggest assets. These are the people who will take the country forward and their shoulders carry the huge responsibility of bringing prosperity to the country. Their minds are supposed to be proactive with ideas of innovation and development, not clogged by vapors from addictive drugs. Their hands are supposed to be busy with constructive projects and healthy sports, not selling and swallowing lethal substances. The youth have a mind of their own, and they have the strongest will power and determination, and once they make up their minds to do something, they are unstoppable. But if the youth themselves are too busy stuffing themselves up with hazardous drugs, what will be the future of our country? It is about time our youth wake up to their true potential that lies latent within them and take a strong stand against drugs. Only abstaining oneself will not suffice. It is our duty to spread awareness among our peers as well, so help those who are already addicted to get off the drugs. Instead of alienating them socially, we can extend a helping hand and assist them in leaving behind a dark past and walk towards a brighter future. If one-sixth of the university students are into drugs, the rest five-sixths of us are still there to clean up the mess being made. We cannot just sit and watch the future of our country getting lost in oblivion. It is about time we wake up and take an active stand and voice our opinions. With a little effort and determination, nothing is impossible. As
Captain Planet loved to say, “The Power is yours!”

(Student of North South University)