With an aim to create awareness among people, a five-day bicycle tour titled 'Swadhinata Cycle Bhraman' began in Panchagarh town yesterday with the slogan 'Sarak Durghatana Rodh Kori, Madak Mukta Samaj Gori.'

Nejarat Deputy Collector (NDC) Suman Jihadi inaugurated the event as the chief guest, followed by a discussion at Panchagarh Technical and Business Management College premises.

Panchagarh Cycling Riders (PCR) organised the event with the financial assistance of Tentulia Upazila Chairman Rezaul Karim Shaheen.

An eleven-member bicyclist team of PCR is taking part in the programme to raise awareness among people about prevention of road accident and  freeing the society from abuse of drugs.

During the five-day tour, the bicyclist-team will go to different educational institutions and the crowded places in five upazilas and distribute leaflets inscribing many points to encourage people to build a society free from drug abuse and check road accidents.

Most of the road accidents occur due to lack of awareness among the drivers and victims, speakers said, adding that road accidents are increasing alarmingly in recent times.  

Abuse of drug is destroying many families silently and its bad impact is also reflected in the society, they said during the discussion.

The speakers also urged the government to take steps in this regard to save the young generation from the curse of drug abuse for building a healthy nation.