Winning against drugs will propel the nation forward

The BNP government, under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs. The government is deeply committed to controlling drug abuse. Fighting drugs is critical to Bangladesh’s economic development, the improvement of law and order, and the protection of future generations. If we can free the country from drugs, no one will be able to stop its progress.

According to World Health Organization estimates, the economic losses Bangladesh incurs due to tobacco and drug use exceed $10 billion annually. Drug addiction causes direct economic harm by increasing illness and reducing people’s capacity to work. A huge number of people in Bangladesh are losing their productivity because of drug dependency.

Furthermore, drugs are undermining the country’s law and order situation. Drug abuse is a major source of various other crimes. Its spread is destroying our younger generation, which is why we have no alternative but to win this war against drugs. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has rightly identified drug eradication as a priority programme.

Every nation that has achieved economic prosperity, improved law and order and established itself as a happy society has strictly adhered to a policy of saying “no” to drugs.

The founder of modern Singapore and its former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew described drugs as the ‘mother of all crime’. He maintained that simply stopping drugs would make it possible to build a safe and crime-free Singapore. To achieve this goal, the Misuse of Drugs Act, enacted under his leadership in 1973, introduced the death penalty for possessing or trafficking drugs above specified limits. Despite criticism from various international quarters, he strongly defended the law as essential for national security. The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) was given extensive powers to conduct anti-drug operations, random searches and strict surveillance at any time. Under Lee Kuan Yew’s zero-tolerance policy, Singapore became known as one of the most drug-free countries in the world. Its success in combating drugs has significantly reduced crime and earned it a reputation as one of the safest countries globally.

Although the Western world initially criticised Lee Kuan Yew’s tough stance, many countries have since adopted similarly strict measures to combat the drug menace. In Malaysia, drug trafficking can carry the death penalty, while possession can result in imprisonment and fines. Immigrants found with drugs also face deportation. In Thailand, drug trafficking can similarly attract capital punishment. In Saudi Arabia, drug dealers can face the death penalty, while drug use or possession can result in public flogging, fines and lengthy prison terms. Similar provisions exist in other Middle Eastern countries, including Kuwait and Qatar.

In Indonesia, drug trafficking can also carry the death penalty. In the summer of 1971, then US president Richard Nixon declared drugs ‘public enemy number one’ and launched an offensive that became known as the ‘War on Drugs’. The policy aimed to clear American streets of drugs, dismantle trafficking networks and create a safer environment for citizens. The US also reserves the authority to conduct anti-drug operations beyond its borders. Recently, the President of Venezuela was detained and brought to trial in the US as part of this war on drugs.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte also faced widespread criticism for his war on drugs. However, while his controversial campaign drew global condemnation, it was credited by supporters with halting the unchecked spread of drugs in the Philippines. Duterte served several terms as mayor of Davao City before becoming president in 2016, a position he held until 2022. During both his mayoral and presidential tenures, he launched campaigns against drugs. However, many extrajudicial killings were committed under the guise of this anti-drug drive. Last year, Duterte was arrested in Manila, the Philippine capital, and transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, the Netherlands, on the same day. The 79-year-old is now facing trial at the court. Nevertheless, some citizens of the country continue to express gratitude to him for what they regard as his efforts to free the country from drugs.

Countries that have managed to escape the deadly grip of drugs have done so by formulating strict laws and enforcing them impartially. However, despite having strict drug laws, Bangladesh has historically failed to enforce them properly. As a result, the country has become a safe haven for drug dealers, allowing narcotics to spread unchecked. From children and teenagers to the elderly, people from all walks of life are falling victim to drug addiction. Drugs are destroying the workforce, creativity and moral values of our citizens, making people increasingly violent and brutal. As Lee Kuan Yew observed, drugs are a major source of crime, and we are now witnessing the consequences in Bangladesh. Drug abuse is contributing to rising incidents of rape and violence against women, as well as murders, muggings and robberies. The unchecked flow of narcotics has also fuelled a thriving illegal arms trade, while smuggling and human trafficking syndicates operate through drug networks. Teen gangs have become one of the biggest social afflictions today, with the unchecked spread of drugs being a major contributing factor.

Criminologists say that 90% of various crimes in the country originate from drugs. Experts believe that if drug smuggling and its rampant spread can be stopped, crime rates in Bangladesh will fall significantly.

Every incoming government in Bangladesh talks about taking a tough stance against drugs, but drug syndicates have never been dismantled in practice. In the past, we have even seen notorious drug dealers become members of the National Parliament. After assuming office, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman declared a tough stance against drugs and instructed the home minister to conduct anti-drug operations. In line with his directives, the Ministry of Home Affairs has launched nationwide anti-drug drives. Recently, the home minister told parliament that a list of drug dealers was being prepared to curb the spread of narcotics. However, such a list had already been compiled. Notably, in 2023, a Division Bench of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh directed the government to submit a list containing the names and addresses of the country’s top drug dealers. Following the order, a list of nearly 3,000 drug dealers was prepared, but, for unknown reasons, it was never submitted to the court.

A source at the Ministry of Home Affairs has revealed that a finalised list of 292 godfathers and 4,000 top drug dealers has now been prepared and that the ministry is taking action accordingly. The inspector general of police (IGP) has said that anti-drug operations are a top priority for the police and that law enforcement agencies across the country have been alerted. Nevertheless, most drug-related cases fail to stand up in court, allowing drug dealers and criminals to escape through legal loopholes. Although the law prescribes the death penalty as the maximum punishment for drug trafficking, this provision largely exists on paper. In most cases, the accused secure bail and walk free. Police say the lack of witnesses hampers the effective prosecution of these cases.

Law enforcement alone is not enough to win the war against drugs; social awareness and a national consensus are equally essential. Members of parliament could be given the responsibility of making their respective constituencies drug-free by building public opinion against drugs and working alongside local communities. Anti-drug operations must also be conducted in close coordination with law enforcement agencies.

A culture of social rejection of drugs needs to be established. The government has made dope testing mandatory for vehicle drivers, but the law is yet to be properly enforced. Although dope testing was supposed to be mandatory for entry into public service, the requirement has not yet been implemented. Experts believe that making dope testing compulsory in all spheres of life, beginning with university admissions, would strengthen the social movement against drugs.

Historically, drug dealers and godfathers have enjoyed the protection of whichever political party comes to power, making it difficult to take action against them. A political consensus is therefore essential. All political parties must commit themselves to denying shelter to drug smugglers and godfathers. Without political patronage, enforcing strict measures against drugs will become much easier. The war against drugs is an acid test for this government. Winning it will pave the way for the nation to move forward successfully.