Drug use in Bangladesh has escalated into a major public health and social crisis, with an estimated 82 lakh people currently using one or more illicit substances, according to a new nationwide study.
The figure represents around 4.88% of the country’s total population and excludes cigarette smoking from the assessment.
The study was jointly conducted by Bangladesh Medical University and Research and Management Consultants Limited, and was carried out under the supervision of the Department of Narcotics Control.
Titled “Number, Patterns and Associated Factors of Drug Users in Bangladesh”, the findings were unveiled on Sunday at a discussion meeting held at the Super Specialised Hospital.
Data were collected between February and June 2025 from 13 districts and 26 upazilas spanning all eight administrative divisions of the country.
The study found that a drug user spends an average of around Tk6,000 per month, and many use multiple substances. In terms of age, 33% began using drugs between the ages of 8 and 17, while 59% started between 18 and 25.
Unemployment, peer pressure, financial insecurity, family instability, mental stress, and involvement in informal occupations were identified as key risk factors. Nearly 90% of users said drugs are easily available.
Only 13% of users have ever received treatment or rehabilitation services. Although more than half have attempted to quit, most failed due to a lack of adequate treatment, counselling, and social and financial support.
About 68% reported experiencing stigma and discrimination at family and community levels.
Bangladesh Medical University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Shahinul Alam said drug addiction should not be viewed as a problem affecting only a small group of “bad people.”
“There is no reason to think that only others are addicted and that we or our children are safe. The reality is that everyone is at risk,” he said.
He stressed the need for strong political commitment, expanded research, and collective awareness to address the crisis.
Highest prevalence in Mymensingh
The study shows significant regional variation in drug use. Mymensingh recorded the highest prevalence at 6.02%, followed by Rangpur at 6% and Chattogram at 5.50%. Rajshahi reported the lowest rate at 2.72%, while Khulna stood at 4.08%.
Dhaka division has the largest population of drug users, estimated at about 22.9 lakh. Chattogram follows with around 18.8 lakh users, and Rangpur with 10.8 lakh. The estimated numbers in other divisions are Barishal 404,000, Khulna 726,000, Mymensingh 761,000, Rajshahi 567,000, and Sylhet about 488,000.
According to the study, cannabis is the most commonly used drug, with about 60.8 lakh users. This is followed by yaba or methamphetamine, used by around 22.9 lakh people, and alcohol, used by about 20.2 lakh.
Other substances include codeine-based cough syrup (340,000 users), heroin (323,000), sleeping pills (306,000), and inhalants (153,000). About 39,000 people use drugs by injection, placing them at high risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases.
Md Hasan Maruf, director general of the Department of Narcotics Control, described drug prevention as a “social war” that must begin at the family level.
He said the government has approved a project to establish seven 200-bed drug treatment and rehabilitation centres, one in each division outside Dhaka, to expand access to care for people with substance use disorders.
BMU Treasurer Professor Dr Nahreen Akhter highlighted the importance of reducing both drug supply and demand. She warned that children and young people are falling into addiction before fully understanding life. “Protecting this generation is a shared responsibility,” she said.
