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An invisible empire of drug trafficking across the country is reportedly controlled by 1,620 “godfathers”. At least 20,891 traffickers are active within a three-tier network, running a multi-billion-taka drug trade under their direction. This alarming picture has emerged from a coordinated report compiled by intelligence agencies and several related institutions. Officials say token operations have failed to free the country from the grip of narcotics.
RAB Additional Director General (Operations) Colonel Iftekhar Ahmed said: “RAB always maintains a zero-tolerance policy on drugs. Offenders’ other identities are not given priority. Operations against drug traffickers are ongoing.”
Statistics from an intelligence agency show 20,891 drug traffickers nationwide, including 1,620 godfathers, 6,227 wholesale traffickers, and 13,044 retail-level dealers. Chattogram has the highest number of godfathers at 309, followed by Rajshahi (273), Rangpur (237), Dhaka (231), Khulna (228), Barishal (117), Mymensingh (115), and Sylhet (110).
In the wholesale category, Chattogram again tops the list with 1,427 traffickers, followed by Rajshahi (1,237), Dhaka (1,102), Rangpur (666), Khulna (634), Mymensingh (481), Sylhet (360), and Barishal (320). In retail trafficking, Chattogram leads with 2,828 dealers, followed by Rajshahi (2,539), Dhaka (2,489), Khulna (1,982), Mymensingh (983), Rangpur (954), Sylhet (648), and Barishal (621).
The intelligence report has separately categorised godfathers, financiers, sponsors, and cannabis cultivators, and submitted the information to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Another agency report identifies 34 drug godfathers in the Sylhet division, including Abdul Mannan (Companiganj), Abdul Qadir (Zakiganj), Md Mukit, Tajuddin Tajul Member, Zahirul Haque, Asuk Ahmed Ashik, Sharif Ahmed Tofadar, and Joynal Uddin. In Habiganj, names include Fuad Hasan Sakib (Madhabpur), Khokon Mia (Dharmaghar), and Mamun Mia (Suagao). Sakib was recently arrested in a joint operation.
Sources said that following the government’s declaration of a zero-tolerance policy on drugs, updated data submitted by various agencies is being analysed at the ministry level. Police records list 19,045 traffickers, while the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) list includes 3,964. Four other agencies have also submitted lists, one of which alone contains 20,891 names.
Police Headquarters sources said that although strict directives are in place to enforce zero tolerance, expected results have not been achieved, prompting dissatisfaction at the highest levels. Anti-drug operations are now being placed under separate monitoring, and disciplinary action will be taken in cases of negligence.
Intelligence reports have identified Teknaf upazila in Cox’s Bazar as a major hub of drug trafficking. Individuals active there include Md Nur (Barmaiya Nur), Zahed Hossain, Harun-or-Rashid, Foyez Ahmed, Ziabul Haque (Zia), Jafar Alam, Didarul Alam, and Samsu Mia, among others.
In Cox’s Bazar district, other active individuals include Samsunnahar, Md Hasan, Zahurul Islam (Faruk), Nurul Alam (Babu), Abul Kalam, Syed Alam, Bashir Ahmed, Abdul Gafur, Rashedul Islam, Abu Zafar Ansari, Shahjahan Ansari, Rashid Ansari, Myanmar national Abu Nafar, Md Imam Sharif, Manjur Alam, Harun-or-Rashid Liton, and Abdur Rahman.
After Cox’s Bazar, Cumilla is identified as another major trafficking zone, with smuggling routes used for cannabis and Phensedyl. Active individuals include Ashik (Boma Ashik), Abul Kashem, Mizan, Nur Islam, Md Kashem, Md Shafiq Mia, Humayun, Billal, Bappi, Sujon Mia, Motaleb, Md Ibrahim Khalil, Md Suman Ahmed, Md Mamun, Siraj Mia, and Md Iqbal Hossain.
In Rajshahi, identified godfathers include Shish Mohammad, Tipu, Md Tofazzol Hossain, Naosad Ali, Abdullah, Ziarul Islam, Setabur Rahman Babu, Mosha Aziza Begum, Md Idris Molla, Yadul (Idulla), Abdul Alim (Kalu), and Md Milan.
Additional Inspector General of Police Headquarters (Crime and Operations) Khondker Rafiqul Islam said: “In line with the zero-tolerance policy, operations against drug traffickers are ongoing, and efforts are being intensified.”
Director (Operations) of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) Md Bashir Ahmed said: “Special operations, a 180-day action plan, arrests of top traffickers, rehabilitation efforts, and disruption of supply chains are underway. Despite some operational limitations, these have been reported to the ministry.”
RAB’s list has identified 3,076 drug traffickers nationwide, with RAB-2 reporting the highest number (565) and RAB-4 the lowest (53). Other figures include RAB-1: 222, RAB-3: 138, RAB-5: 328, RAB-6: 129, RAB-7: 123, RAB-8: 369, RAB-9: 127, RAB-10: 64, RAB-11: 48, RAB-12: 382, RAB-13: 166, RAB-14: 294, and RAB-15: 88.
Associate Professor Dr Towhidul Haque of the Institute of Social Welfare and Research, University of Dhaka, said: “If there is a hole at the bottom of a tank, pouring water into it serves no purpose. The drug problem cannot be solved through token lists or superficial drives.”