Desk Report:
A nation’s development does not depend solely on economic growth, infrastructure construction, or industrialization. The productivity of its people, social security, moral values, and the healthy development of the younger generation are also essential prerequisites for sustainable development. The proliferation of drugs is the most significant factor undermining these areas. Drug addiction not only destroys an individual’s life but also poses a major threat to families, society, the economy, and national security. Therefore, adopting an effective and uncompromising stance against drugs must become a top national priority for Bangladesh.
The BNP government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has adopted a “zero-tolerance” policy toward drug control. If this government stance is implemented effectively, it could lead to significant improvements in law and order, a reduction in economic losses, and the protection of future generations. Freeing Bangladesh from the scourge of drugs would further accelerate the country’s progress toward development.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, the Bangladeshi economy suffers losses exceeding $10 billion annually due to drug use and smoking. Drugs contribute to a rise in various illnesses and a decline in individual productivity. A large number of people, gripped by addiction, are forced out of their normal professional lives—a situation that causes personal and familial harm while simultaneously hindering national productivity. In short, drug abuse is not merely a health issue; it is a major obstacle to Bangladesh’s economic advancement.
Furthermore, drugs play a significant role in the rise of crime. The need for money to sustain an addiction often drives individuals toward theft, mugging, robbery, and violent crimes. Drug trafficking fosters the emergence of organized criminal syndicates, which in turn undermines social security and law and order. Most concerning is that the spread of drugs is destroying the potential of the youth—the very demographic meant to serve as the driving force behind the nation’s economy and future leadership—by leading many of them astray.
Experiences from various countries around the world demonstrate that strict legislation, impartial enforcement of the law, and effective state oversight play a crucial role in controlling drug abuse. Lee Kuan Yew, the founder and former Prime Minister of modern Singapore, viewed drugs as a primary source of crime. His core philosophy was that establishing a safe and orderly society would be impossible without curbing the spread of drugs.
His government’s stringent approach to drug control was embodied in the ‘Misuse of Drugs Act’ of 1973. This legislation mandated the death penalty for the possession of drugs beyond certain thresholds, as well as for drug trafficking. Despite international criticism, Lee Kuan Yew defended the law, asserting its necessity for national security and social stability. The country’s Central Narcotics Bureau was granted extensive powers to conduct anti-drug operations, searches, and surveillance. Through rigorous law enforcement and state control, Singapore has become recognized as one of the most successful nations in drug control—a policy that has played a pivotal role in establishing the country’s security and order.
Several other nations have adopted similarly strict stances on drug control. In Malaysia, the death penalty is prescribed for the trafficking of certain types of drugs, while possession and consumption are punishable by imprisonment and fines. Foreign nationals caught with drugs may also face action under immigration laws. Thailand likewise imposes severe penalties for serious drug-trafficking offenses. In Saudi Arabia, drug trafficking can carry the death penalty, and various other Middle Eastern countries—including Kuwait and Qatar—also enforce harsh penalties for drug-related crimes. Indonesia, too, maintains the death penalty for drug trafficking.
The United States has also long regarded drug control as a critical matter of national security and public health. In 1971, then-President Richard Nixon declared drugs a primary enemy of the nation and launched a specialized campaign against them—an initiative that later became known as the ‘War on Drugs.’ Key objectives included dismantling drug production, trafficking, and supply networks, as well as ensuring the safety of citizens. Over time, U.S. anti-drug policies expanded to an international scale. However, there has long been a debate regarding the effectiveness of this policy and its implications for human rights.
The anti-drug campaign of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been a subject of both global discussion and criticism. During his tenure as mayor of Davao City, he adopted a hardline stance against drugs and crime—a policy that continued after he became president in 2016. Throughout his administration, which lasted until 2022, many people were killed during these anti-drug operations. These killings drew widespread international condemnation, with allegations of human rights violations and questions regarding the legitimacy of the actions. In 2025, he was arrested and transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, where he is currently facing trial. While his anti-drug campaign garnered support from some segments of the Philippine population, allegations of extrajudicial killings have cast serious doubt on the legitimacy of the initiative. The Philippine experience serves as a reminder that disregarding the rule of law and human rights in the name of drug control can create new crises for a state.
There are questions surrounding this, which has allowed drug traffickers to establish strong networks across various areas. The supply and spread of drugs—from cities to rural villages—have reached an alarming level. Children, adolescents, young adults, and people of all ages are at risk of drug addiction, which undermines human productivity, creativity, and social values.
The link between drug addiction and various forms of crime is becoming increasingly apparent. Beyond individuals turning to crime to fund their drug habits, the drug trade itself has become a catalyst for conflict, homicide, the use of weapons, and smuggling. There is also growing concern regarding the role of drugs in the abuse of women and children, sexual violence, and juvenile delinquency. Furthermore, there is a risk that criminal syndicates involved in the drug trade could expand their networks to include illegal arms trafficking and human smuggling. The easy availability of drugs is a major concern, particularly regarding the proliferation of juvenile gangs.
According to crime analysts, drugs are either directly or indirectly linked to a significant number of crimes in the country. If the networks responsible for the supply and sale of drugs could be dismantled, the incidence of crime could be reduced substantially. However, conducting raids alone will not provide a permanent solution; effective oversight must be established at every stage—from production, importation, and transportation to the supply and retail sale of drugs.
Although previous governments in Bangladesh have declared a “zero-tolerance” stance on drugs, they have failed to fully dismantle the powerful syndicates that control the drug trade. Allegations of political influence and patronage have frequently surfaced; there have even been claims that individuals involved in the drug trade have leveraged their political affiliations to secure prominent positions. Consequently, anti-drug operations have often been met with skepticism.
Since taking office, the Prime Minister has prioritized the eradication of the drug menace. She has directed the Minister of Home Affairs to take necessary measures and launch nationwide operations. Following these directives, the Ministry of Home Affairs has intensified its anti-drug efforts. The Home Minister informed the National Parliament that a list of drug traffickers has been compiled, and action is being taken against them.
However, the practice of creating lists of drug traffickers is not a new development. In 2023, a division bench of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court directed the government to submit a list of the country’s top drug traffickers, including their names and addresses. Although a list of approximately 3,000 drug traffickers was reportedly prepared following this directive, it was never submitted to the court—for reasons that remain unknown. Recently, citing sources within the Ministry of Home Affairs, information has emerged regarding the finalization of a list comprising 292 “godfathers” and 4,000 top-tier drug traffickers. Taking effective action based on this list could render anti-drug operations significantly more successful.
The Inspector General of Police has also identified anti-drug operations as a top priority for the police force, and law enforcement agencies across the country have been instructed to remain vigilant. However, alongside conducting these operations, it is crucial to address existing weaknesses in the investigation and judicial processes concerning drug-related cases. Currently, many individuals arrested during anti-drug operations manage to secure bail at various stages of the legal process. Furthermore, many cases fail to reach a successful conclusion due to a lack of witnesses or insufficient evidence.
Under existing laws, the maximum penalty for serious crimes like drug trafficking is the death penalty. Yet, the mere existence of harsh penalties is not enough to control the drug trade. Ensuring effective drug control requires reliable investigations, robust evidence, expeditious trials, and the proper enforcement of verdicts. Simultaneously, it is essential to identify and take action against the financial sources fueling the drug trade, the influential patrons behind it, and the organized networks involved.
To succeed in the fight against drugs, state-led initiatives must be complemented by a broader social movement. Families, educational institutions, religious and social organizations, and public representatives must collectively shoulder this responsibility. Members of the National Parliament could be tasked with developing specific action plans to make their respective constituencies drug-free. Engaging local communities in raising awareness, prevention, and rehabilitation efforts would yield positive results.
It is also vital to ensure that individuals struggling with drug addiction are not viewed solely as criminals; they must be provided with access to treatment and rehabilitation. At the same time, strict legal action must be taken against those involved in the production, supply, and distribution of drugs, as well as the patrons who support these criminal syndicates. It must be ensured that the political affiliations or social influence of individuals involved in the drug trade do not, in any way, hinder the enforcement of the law.
The effective implementation of ‘dope tests’ (drug screening) is also crucial for drug control. While there have been initiatives to make such tests mandatory for vehicle drivers, it is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of their implementation. Similarly, the requirement for drug screening should be effectively enforced for recruitment into government service. Furthermore, the introduction of legally sound and scientific drug screening procedures could be considered for university admissions, professional training programs, and recruitment for high-risk occupations. However, it is essential to safeguard personal privacy, ensure due process, and guarantee the reliability of these tests.
The most critical issue is to put an end to the political patronage enjoyed by drug traffickers. Experience has shown that with shifts in power, these individuals often grow even more influential, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to take impartial action against them. To break this cycle, all political parties must reach a consensus to cease providing shelter to drug traffickers, smugglers, and the kingpins behind drug syndicates.
Drug control is intrinsically linked to Bangladesh’s economic progress, social security, and the well-being of future generations. Therefore, anti-drug operations cannot be viewed merely as temporary initiatives; they must represent a long-term state commitment. Addressing this crisis requires a comprehensive approach—combining strict law enforcement, impartial judicial processes, genuine political will, public awareness, and the rehabilitation of those struggling with drug addiction.
Taking a firm stand against drugs serves as a major test for the government led by Prime Minister Tareque Rahman. Success in this battle would not only curb crime but also safeguard the nation’s productive workforce, boost economic output, and pave the way for a safer society. Establishing a drug-free Bangladesh would further strengthen the nation’s momentum; for a victory against drugs is, in essence, a significant milestone toward building a healthy, secure, productive, and prosperous Bangladesh.
