# Rajshahi Confronts Escalating Drug Addiction Crisis; Administration Pledges Intervention

*The Rajshahi district law and order committee has identified drug peddling as a major cause of increased addiction, leading to a growing crisis in the northwestern city.*

August 9, 2026 · Bangladesh

The Rajshahi district law and order committee has identified drug peddling as a major cause of increased addiction, leading to a growing crisis in the northwestern city. The committee, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam, noted that drug abuse is driving teenagers into criminal activities and causing family miseries.

## Menace Identified

Officials at a committee meeting highlighted the need to prevent drug abuse, extortion, gangsterism, and footpath encroachments. They suggested installing CCTV cameras across the city for enhanced security. Lawmakers Professor Nazrul Islam, MP, and Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, MP, joined the meeting alongside various officials and representatives from government and private institutions.

Advocate Milon emphasized that while the overall law and order situation is under control, drug peddling and abuse remain significant issues. He noted that parliament has toughened drug laws to impose severe punishments on dealers, lords, and users. However, Shafiqul Haque pointed out that drug dealers often evade law enforcement due to manpower shortages.

## Call for Action

Haque called for social initiatives to combat drug peddling at every level, from neighborhoods to municipalities. He also highlighted the emergence of new, unknown drugs and stressed the need for specialized institutions to research these substances and bring dealers to justice. Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam assured the meeting that necessary measures would be taken based on the complaints and suggestions raised.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/bangladesh/rajshahi-drug-addiction-crisis