Disaster Management Minister Asadul Habib Dulu emphasized the importance of raising mass awareness and fostering social resistance to protect Bangladesh from the harmful effects of drugs. Speaking at an event in Lalmonirhat, he highlighted that during the previous government's tenure, the country became a major destination for illegal drug influx from bordering areas. The minister called for collective efforts from voluntary organizations, social and political leaders, and the general public to combat drug abuse.
Addressing members of 25 volunteer organizations, Dulu noted that a significant portion of the youth has been affected by drug abuse. He urged everyone to work together to build a drug-free society, stating that voluntary workers must play a leading role in preventing social offenses such as drug abuse, gambling, and child marriage.
Dulu told the young attendees, 'We want to build a new Bangladesh for you, and you are the instruments of these new initiatives. You must say no to drugs. Social resistance must be raised against drugs to make a drugs-free Bangladesh possible.'
Bangladesh faces a severe drug addiction crisis, with an estimated 8.2 million users. As the country does not produce narcotics, most drugs are smuggled in from abroad. A variety of narcotics, including yaba, heroin, Phensedyl, crystal meth, and cannabis, are being smuggled into Bangladesh through at least 105 border points across 18 districts, with Dhaka being the main destination for illegal drugs.
The Annual Drug Report Bangladesh 2025 by the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) indicates that drugs are brought in through three major corridors: the western and northern borders with India, and the southeastern border with Myanmar. The entry points in the eastern and western corridor fall within Satkhira, Jashore, Chuadanga, Meherpur, Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Joypurhat, Dinajpur, Sylhet, Brahmanbaria, Cumilla, and Feni. The northern border corridor includes points in Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Sherpur, Mymensingh, and Netrakona, while the southeastern corridor, particularly the area along the Myanmar border, remains the main route for yaba and crystal meth.
