Dhaka, May 3 -- Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury has said that unhealthy cultural practices must be countered through the promotion of healthy culture.

He warned that drug abuse has spread across the country, affecting young people, including school and college students.

He described it as a planned conspiracy and said the situation requires urgent attention.

"In such a situation, no one can remain indifferent. If a locality catches fire, even a temple cannot be saved," he said.

The minister made the remarks while speaking at an event organised by music institution Sur Saptak at the theatre hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Saturday.

He said that just as a weapon is needed to resist an attack, the country's rich a...