Special Correspondent:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bangladesh\u2019s journey towards sustainable development depends not only on economic growth, infrastructure expansion and industrialisation but also on the health, productivity, social security and moral development of its people. Among the growing challenges threatening these foundations, drug abuse has emerged as one of the most serious concerns. Drug addiction is destroying individual lives while posing a significant threat to families, society, the economy and national security. Combating the spread of drugs must therefore become one of Bangladesh\u2019s foremost national priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The BNP government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs. Effective implementation of this commitment could bring significant improvements in law and order, reduce economic losses and protect future generations. Making Bangladesh free from the scourge of drugs would also accelerate the country’s overall development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to figures attributed to the World Health Organization (WHO), Bangladesh suffers annual economic losses exceeding $10 billion due to drugs and tobacco consumption. Substance abuse contributes to various health complications, reduces people’s working capacity and pushes many individuals out of productive employment. The consequences extend beyond personal and family suffering, undermining national productivity and economic progress. Drug abuse is therefore not merely a public health concern; it is also a major obstacle to Bangladesh’s economic advancement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drug abuse is also closely associated with rising criminal activities. Addiction creates financial dependency, and some users become involved in theft, robbery, mugging and violent crimes to finance their habits. Meanwhile, organised criminal networks have developed around the illegal drug trade, creating additional challenges for public safety and law enforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most alarming consequence is the growing impact on young people. A significant section of the country’s youth, who should be driving economic growth and shaping future leadership, are becoming vulnerable to addiction and criminal activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Experiences from different countries demonstrate that strong legislation, impartial enforcement and effective state surveillance are important components of drug control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, regarded drugs as a major source of crime and social instability. His government’s tough approach was reflected in the Misuse of Drugs Act, introduced in 1973. The law prescribed severe penalties, including the death penalty for certain drug trafficking offences involving specified quantities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau was also granted extensive powers to conduct anti-drug operations, searches and surveillance. Despite criticism from international human rights organisations, Singapore has maintained a stringent drug control framework and is widely regarded as one of the countries with particularly strict drug laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several other countries have adopted similarly tough approaches. Malaysia imposes severe penalties for certain drug trafficking offences, while Thailand maintains stringent punishments for serious drug-related crimes. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar also enforce strict penalties against drug trafficking. Indonesia likewise retains the death penalty for certain drug trafficking offences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The United States has also treated drug control as a major national security and public health issue for decades. In 1971, President Richard Nixon launched a major campaign against drugs, which later became widely known as the “War on Drugs”. The initiative aimed to disrupt drug production, trafficking and distribution networks and protect citizens. However, the effectiveness and human rights implications of the American approach have remained subjects of considerable debate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Philippines provides another controversial example. Former President Rodrigo Duterte pursued an aggressive anti-drug campaign during his tenure as mayor of Davao City and continued the policy after becoming president in 2016. Thousands of people were killed during the campaign, according to various accounts, prompting widespread allegations of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2025, Duterte was arrested and transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, where he faces proceedings over alleged crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign. Although sections of the Filipino population supported his tough approach, allegations of extrajudicial killings have raised serious questions about its legitimacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Philippine experience demonstrates that drug control measures must remain within the framework of law and human rights. Otherwise, efforts to combat one national crisis may create another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The need for effective drug control is particularly urgent in Bangladesh. Despite existing laws, questions have repeatedly been raised about their consistent and effective enforcement. As a result, powerful drug trafficking networks have reportedly expanded their operations across urban and rural areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Children, adolescents, young adults and people from different age groups are increasingly exposed to the risks of substance abuse. The consequences include declining productivity, reduced creativity and the erosion of social values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The connection between drug abuse and various forms of crime is also becoming increasingly concerning. Drug-related financial needs can drive individuals towards criminal activities, while conflicts over drug trafficking have been associated with violence, murder, the use of illegal weapons and smuggling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Concerns have also been raised about the influence of drugs on juvenile delinquency, gang activities, violence against women and children, and sexual violence. There are further concerns that organised drug trafficking networks may facilitate the expansion of illegal arms and human trafficking operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drug availability is also considered a significant concern in the growing activities of juvenile gangs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to crime analysts, drugs are directly or indirectly connected with a considerable number of criminal incidents in the country. Breaking the supply and distribution networks could therefore help reduce criminal activities. However, conducting raids alone will not provide a lasting solution. Effective monitoring is required at every stage, from production and importation to transportation, wholesale distribution and retail sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Successive governments in Bangladesh have announced tough measures against drugs, but powerful trafficking syndicates have not been completely dismantled. Allegations of political influence and patronage have repeatedly emerged, raising questions about the impartiality of anti-drug operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There have also been allegations that individuals associated with the illegal drug trade have used political connections to secure influential positions. Such practices have weakened public confidence in enforcement efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since assuming office, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has emphasised the importance of eliminating drugs and prioritising the issue at the national level. He has reportedly instructed the Home Minister to take necessary measures and launch nationwide operations against drug trafficking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following the Prime Minister’s directives, the Home Ministry has stepped up anti-drug activities. The Home Minister has informed Parliament that lists of drug traffickers are being prepared and action is being taken against those identified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, preparing lists of drug traffickers is not a new initiative. In 2023, a division bench of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court directed the government to submit a list containing the names and addresses of the country’s top drug traffickers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following that directive, a list of nearly 3,000 suspected drug traffickers was reportedly prepared, but allegations emerged that it was never submitted to the court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More recently, sources within the Home Ministry have reportedly indicated that lists identifying 292 alleged drug kingpins and 4,000 top-level drug traffickers have been finalised. Effective action based on these lists could significantly strengthen the country’s anti-drug campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Inspector General of Police has also identified anti-drug operations as one of the priorities of the police force and instructed law enforcement agencies across the country to remain vigilant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alongside intensified operations, Bangladesh needs to address weaknesses in investigations and the judicial process involving drug-related cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A number of suspects arrested during anti-drug operations are subsequently released on bail at different stages of legal proceedings. In many cases, prosecutions fail to achieve the expected results because of insufficient evidence, inadequate investigations or a lack of witnesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although existing laws prescribe severe penalties, including the death penalty for certain serious drug trafficking offences, stringent punishment provisions alone cannot eliminate the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reliable investigations, credible evidence, timely trials and effective implementation of court verdicts are essential. Authorities must also identify the sources of financing behind drug businesses, influential patrons and the organised networks supporting the illegal trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Law enforcement agencies should focus not only on street-level dealers but also on the financiers, suppliers and influential individuals operating behind the scenes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A successful anti-drug campaign requires more than government action. It must evolve into a nationwide social movement involving families, educational institutions, religious organisations, community groups and elected representatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Members of Parliament could be assigned specific action plans to help make their respective constituencies drug-free. Community participation in awareness campaigns, prevention initiatives and rehabilitation programmes could play an important role in achieving sustainable results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People suffering from drug addiction should not be treated exclusively as criminals. They need access to medical treatment, counselling and rehabilitation services so that they can return to normal social and professional life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the same time, drug manufacturers, traffickers, distributors and individuals financing or protecting criminal syndicates must face strict legal action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Political identity, social influence or economic power must never become a shield against the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The effective implementation of drug testing could also contribute to prevention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although initiatives have been discussed to make drug tests mandatory for professional drivers, their actual implementation and effectiveness need to be reviewed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mandatory drug testing for government job applicants should also be considered for effective implementation. In addition, introducing scientifically reliable and legally appropriate drug testing in university admissions, professional training and recruitment for high-risk occupations could be explored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, such measures must ensure individual privacy, procedural fairness and the reliability of testing methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prevention should also begin at an early age through awareness programmes in schools, colleges and universities. Families and educational institutions must work together to identify early signs of substance abuse and provide timely support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perhaps the most critical requirement is to end political protection for drug traffickers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Past experiences suggest that following political transitions, some individuals involved in drug trafficking have attempted to align themselves with new political power centres. Political patronage allows criminal networks to become stronger and makes impartial enforcement increasingly difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All political parties must therefore reach a consensus on refusing shelter, protection or political opportunities to drug traffickers, smugglers and the influential figures behind organised drug syndicates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fight against drugs must be above partisan politics. No individual, regardless of political affiliation or social status, should be allowed to operate beyond the reach of the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bangladesh’s economic development, social security and the protection of future generations are directly linked to effective drug control. The anti-drug campaign cannot be treated as a temporary government programme. It must become a long-term national commitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A coordinated strategy combining strict law enforcement, impartial justice, political determination, public awareness, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation is essential to tackling the crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government, the fight against drugs represents a major test of political commitment and administrative effectiveness. Success would mean more than reducing crime. It would help protect the country’s productive workforce, strengthen economic performance and create a safer environment for future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Building a drug-free Bangladesh is not simply a law enforcement objective. It is a fundamental requirement for establishing a healthy, secure, productive and prosperous nation. Winning the battle against drugs would be a major victory in Bangladesh’s journey towards sustainable development.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Special Correspondent: Bangladesh\u2019s journey towards sustainable development depends not only on economic growth, infrastructure expansion and industrialisation but also on the health, productivity, social security and moral development of its people. Among the growing challenges threatening these foundations, drug abuse has emerged as one of the most serious concerns. Drug addiction is destroying individual lives […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7403,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7402","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bangladesh","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n