The Department of Narcotics Control is conducting raids on licensed legal alcohol bars in the name of anti-drug operations and harassing both male and female personal alcohol license holders indiscriminately, the Bangladesh Hotel, Restaurant and Bar Owners’ Association alleged on Saturday.
The allegations were made by organisation president M Jahangir Hossain and general secretary Mohammad Zahid Azam.
According to the association, a deliberate attempt is being made to satisfy a radical group by branding legal alcohol businesses as “immoral trade” and broadcasting the raids on live television and social media.
“This is a warning sign hindering the development of the tourism sector,” the owners said in a statement.
The association claimed that raids are being conducted in an unprofessional manner, violating the official rules of the Narcotics Control Act, on legitimate revenue-generating establishments that have obtained all necessary government approvals and licenses.
They argued that declaring all legal businesses involving importable alcohol, which pay high duties, as illegal drugs through the Alcohol Control Rules-2022 appears to be illegal, deliberate, and a reprehensible attempt to obstruct the country’s progress.
The owners urged the government to stop such raids and allow licensed bars to operate without harassment, emphasising their contribution to the national exchequer through duties and taxes.
