Dhaka: The Feni district administration has launched a district-wide awareness campaign urging students to avoid unnecessary outings after Maghrib prayers, as part of a broader initiative to curb juvenile crime, tackle gang culture and strengthen law and order.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the campaign, announced on Saturday, includes a directive discouraging students from loitering in public places, particularly tea stalls, after evening prayers until further notice. Authorities stressed that the measure is advisory rather than punitive and aims to encourage parental supervision and protect young people from criminal influences.

Feni Deputy Commissioner Monira Haque informed reporters that the decision was taken at a meeting of the district law and order committee following repeated concerns over the rise in teen crime and gang-related activities. She noted that the issue of juvenile crime and gang culture has been a recurrent topic at these meetings. Observations revealed that many students spend time outside unnecessarily after Maghrib instead of studying, leading some to become involved in drug abuse. These concerns prompted the initiative.

The Deputy Commissioner clarified that the directive does not impose legal restrictions on students going outdoors. She emphasized that the measure is not repressive and students will not face legal action for going outside. The primary objective is to reduce juvenile gang violence, raise awareness among parents, and discourage students from unnecessary evening outings.

According to district administration sources, awareness miking has been underway across the district since Friday to inform residents about the initiative. A special monitoring team formed by the district administration, supported by police, has also begun field-level activities to ensure effective implementation of the awareness campaign.

Officials said the initiative aims to create a safer, more disciplined, and education-friendly environment by encouraging students to prioritize their studies over unnecessary evening gatherings. The district administration has called on parents, teachers, local representatives, and other community members to extend their full cooperation in making the campaign successful and helping protect young people from crime and drug abuse.