Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has announced that the government has taken an initiative to form separate tribunals for drug-related cases to reduce existing backlog and expedite judicial processes.
Currently, approximately 80,000 drug cases are pending trial across the country, causing significant delays in the delivery of justice.
Salahuddin made these remarks on Thursday afternoon during a press conference held at Ministry of Home Affairs conference room in the Secretariat, marking “International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026.”
Following the briefing, government grant cheques were distributed to selected private drug rehabilitation centres. Highlighting the regional pressure on the judiciary, he noted that of 80,000 pending cases, approximately 18,000 are in Dhaka and 39,000 are in Chattogram.
He observed that the case backlog often inadvertently benefits the accused, and while existing courts with jurisdiction will continue to hear cases, the proposed separate tribunals are essential to address the crisis.
Minister Salahuddin further said the existing Narcotics Control Act is insufficient for an effective fight against drugs. He pointed out that while many drug traffickers operate with armed groups, inspectors of Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) remain unarmed during raids.
He likened the current state of the department to a “Nidhiram Sardar” (a leader without a shield or sword). In addition to the lack of weaponry, Salahuddin cited a shortage of drug detection laboratories, which hinders the rapid testing of seized substances and slows down legal proceedings.
To address these deficiencies, the government is moving to provide DNC officials with modern weapons, dog squads, lockups, and transport facilities.
“At present, the department does not have its own lockups to hold drug dealers before they are handed over to police stations,” he said, adding that the amended law will include provisions for constructing lockups and enhancing operational capabilities.
Salahuddin informed reporters that an initiative to amend and modernise Narcotics Control Act is already underway, with the amendment bill expected to be placed before Parliament within the next few days.
Emphasising the changing nature of the threat, he noted that drugs are now being traded online, with proceeds being laundered or used to acquire assets through illegal channels. He stressed that a strong legal framework is required to tackle such technology-dependent crimes.
Alongside the reform of drug laws, the government also intends to modernise related legislation concerning money laundering and cybercrime to ensure transparency and accountability.
“Effective combat against modern technology-based crime is impossible without a powerful legal foundation,” Salahuddin concluded.
