The drug crisis in Rowmari, Kurigram, remains a persistent and worsening issue. The widespread availability of narcotics has deeply worried the local population, with increasing numbers of students and young individuals falling prey to addiction.
Despite occasional arrests of minor drug dealers, the influential godfathers of the trade remain out of reach for law enforcement.
Last year, the Department of Narcotics Control earmarked Rowmari and its neighboring Rajibpur as illegal drug free zone, following Teknaf.
The drug issue in Rowmari is progressively crippling the community, with more than five hundred drug dealers and over six thousand addicts documented. These individuals range from local political figures, public officials, seasonal traders, self-styled journalists, civil servants, and even hired laborers.
Drug trafficking is especially prevalent in border communities. The illicit drug trade is so deeply rooted that incidents such as the notorious triple murder have been linked to the drug trade.
Drug traffickers connected with Indian networks frequently bring in large drug shipments across the border, especially at night. These drugs pass through multiple hands before being distributed throughout different parts of Bangladesh.
Smaller quantities, such as yaba pills, are often smuggled by innovative methods, like being wrapped in plastic and thrown across the border to be collected at pre-arranged locations. Drug carriers are paid for their services.
Among those involved in the drug trade are both current and former public representatives from Rowmari’s six unions. Many of them are suspected of being involved in drug-related activities, with some facing charges.
Many of these individuals have amassed wealth through drug trafficking while hiding behind political positions. Notably, Shafiqul Islam, 34, a member of Rowmari Sadar Union’s Ward 4, is currently facing drug-related legal issues.
The drug trafficking operations are concentrated along the porous border with India, with drugs entering through 16 points in Assam, India, and 24 points in Rowmari.
The narcotics travel through Jamalpur, Sherpur, and Mymensingh before reaching the capital and other parts of the country.
Areas like Dadevanga Union’s Degrirchar and Khetarchar, along with other bordering regions, are particularly active in drug smuggling, including yaba and marijuana from India.
Reports suggest that local police may be compromised, as drug dealers operate with little fear of consequences due to their protection from influential figures, making law enforcement’s efforts largely ineffective. While minor dealers are occasionally arrested, they are often scapegoats for the more powerful traffickers who are well-connected and remain largely untouchable.
The list of known drug dealers includes people like Rofiq, 26, Maju Mia, 56, Saddam Hossain, 26, and others from various villages in Rowmari.
Some traffickers are also reportedly working with women, such as Myna Khatun, 32, from Borai Kandir, Rasheda, 31, and Selina Parveen,36.
Despite attempts by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the lack of infrastructure and weak control over the region has allowed the drug trade to flourish. The local Department of Narcotics Control has voiced their frustration over their inability to control the situation, mainly due to the region’s poor connectivity.
Rowmari Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Md Kauser Ali said I have been posted here recently, police will step up drives against drug abuse shortly.
Commanding officer (CO) of Jamalpur BGB Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Hasan said due to poor communication infrastructure in bordering areas, it is a little bit difficult to run regular drives against drug traffickers. The BGB force is ever ready to conduct raid and drives against illegal drug traffickers.
According to Rofiqul Islam, assistant director of the Department of Narcotics Control in Kurigram, the poor transportation infrastructure in Rowmari significantly hampers their ability to tackle the drug trade. Nevertheless, they remain committed to their ongoing efforts to fight the epidemic.
Civil society leaders observed that while authorities in administration are making honest efforts to eliminate the drug crisis, the local godfathers and their political patrons backing has made it nearly impossible to eliminate the problem entirely.
They foresee no hope unless systemic reforms and stern actions are executed before the situation worsens further.
