Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed informed Parliament on Wednesday that the government has intensified its nationwide crackdown on narcotics, resulting in thousands of arrests and the filing of over 9,000 cases in recent months.
Responding to a written query from lawmaker Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal, Salahuddin said between 17 February and 31 May 2026, the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) conducted 30,744 anti-drug raids across the country.
These operations led to 9,251 cases being filed and the arrest of 9,685 drug traffickers who have since been brought to justice.
Nationwide operations
Salahuddin further detailed that a special nationwide operation targeting drugs and terrorism commenced on 1 May 2026, following government directives.
From the start of this operation until 8 June 2026, law enforcement agencies filed 7,688 narcotics-related cases and arrested 10,865 individuals, recovering a vast quantity of illegal substances.
Additionally, the crackdown on terrorism led to the recovery of 125 illegal firearms and the arrest of 269 persons in connection with weapons offences. Highlighting regional efforts, Salahuddin noted that 350 raids were conducted in Kishoreganj district between February and May, resulting in 104 cases and 111 arrests.
In a specific Task Force operation in May led by the Bajitpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer, two identified traffickers were apprehended with seven cannabis plants, leading to a regular case being registered.
In Bajitpur and Nikli upazilas, a total of 32 cases were filed between February and May, with 46 suspects arrested. Total seizures in these areas included 116.91 kilograms of cannabis, 114 litres of country liquor, 2,720 pieces of Yaba, and 172 bottles of foreign liquor.
Strategic measures, collective cooperation
The minister emphasised that the government has adopted a “zero tolerance” policy against drugs and terrorism, noting that these vices gradually destroy the fabric of society.
He added that while police action is essential, the total eradication of these threats requires collective cooperation from individuals, families, and the state.
To reduce the impact of drugs, the DNC is implementing a three-pronged strategy focusing on supply reduction, demand reduction, and harm reduction across the country.
In line with the government’s election manifesto, specific action plans have been established for Bajitpur and Nikli upazilas as well as the rest of the country. These include a 180-day plan, a strategy for the 2026-2027 financial year, and a comprehensive five-year implementation roadmap.
As part of these plans, authorities are currently updating the lists of illegal drug traders and identified “spots” in Kishoreganj district and elsewhere to ensure regular and special operations continue effectively.
