People attend a rally during the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Dhaka, Bangladesh, June 26, 2018. The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed on Tuesday in Bangladesh as elsewhere in the world. (Xinhua)

DHAKA, June 26 (Xinhua) -- The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed on Tuesday in Bangladesh as elsewhere in the world.

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking falls on June 26. This year's theme is "Listen First --Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe".

In order to create awareness among the public against drugs, a colorful rally was held in capital Dhaka on Tuesday morning. Discussion meetings and photo exhibitions were also held in the capital city and elsewhere in the country.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages on the occasion.

In her message, Hasina said her government through various programs have been striving to put an end to drug menace in the country.

Bangladeshi Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said on Monday that law enforcers had arrested 22,000 people since launching a crackdown on drug trafficking last month.