SANGSAD BHABAN, June 17 (V7N)— Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told the Jatiya Sangsad on Tuesday that strengthening the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) is “highly relevant” amid the country’s worsening drug problem, noting the department is working relentlessly to curb trafficking and abuse.
Replying to a written question from BNP lawmaker Md. Abul Kalam (Cumilla-9), the minister said the DNC has drawn up a 180-day action plan, a work plan for the 2026–27 fiscal year, and a five-year strategic implementation framework in line with the government’s election manifesto.
He added that a DNC-formed committee has finalized a proposal to modernize the Narcotics Control Act, 2018. To stop cross-border smuggling, the DNC is running regular patrols and operating temporary checkpoints in border districts, the minister said.
Salahuddin Ahmed flagged a worrying trend of more patients addicted to Ice, or crystal methamphetamine, being admitted to rehab centers across Bangladesh. He called the rise in Ice addiction “alarming” and stressed the need for stronger, more coordinated action against narcotics.
The Home Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to beef up anti-narcotics measures and enhance the DNC’s operational capacity to tackle emerging drug-related challenges nationwide.
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