Despite lacking official approval, many elite areas of the capital have seen the proliferation of shisha lounges in bars, hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, and clubs.
Law enforcement agencies often conduct raids, but the illegal shisha trade shows no signs of slowing down, resulting in unwanted crime incidents.
According to officials from the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), around 17 shisha bars operate discreetly in upscale areas of Dhaka.
Police have also reported similar information, with 16-17 shisha bars operating in the city.
Bangladesh Bar Owners Association president Major (retd) Jahangir Alam told TIMES of Bangladesh that the idea of approving shisha bars based on models from Arabian countries has been around for a long time, but it hasn’t been implemented.
“Shisha bars are now growing commercially in residential buildings, just like umbrellas. The law enforcement agencies cannot evade responsibility. The DNC and police are responsible for this,” he said.
On Thursday morning, a young man named Rahat Hossain Rabbi (31) was murdered on the third-floor staircase of the “360 Degree” shisha bar at House No 100, E Block, 11 No Road, Banani.
This incident has once again brought the issue of shisha bars in Dhaka into the spotlight. The “360 Degree” bar was formerly known as “Arabian Koji.”
The DNC had raided it twice in October and January of the previous year, after which the name was changed, and the business continued under a new guise.
DNC deputy director Shamim Ahmed told TIMES of Bangladesh that shisha bars are operating under the guise of restaurants with licences.
“After two raids on Arabian Koji, regular cases were filed, and those involved were arrested. Later, they changed their name and continued the business cleverly. CCTV cameras were installed around the building and along the streets. They lock the doors and sit people outside the floor. They change addresses when necessary. Their customers are specific and well-known,” he said.
It is known that shisha bars have been set up in the guise of restaurants in areas such as Gulshan, Banani, Uttara, Baridhara, Bashundhara, Bailey Road, and Dhanmondi.
Police say that students from reputed schools, colleges, and universities are becoming addicted to shisha.
Along with consuming shisha, they are also getting involved in various unethical activities. The majority of shisha users are from affluent families.
Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch joint commissioner Nasirul Islam said they have a zero-tolerance policy against all types of drugs, including shisha.
“Whenever we receive information, we conduct raids,” he said.
According to DNC data, shisha primarily consists of various fruit extracts. The “Lady Killer” flavour contains 0.5% nicotine, while the “Love Sixty Six” flavour contains the same amount. Other flavours like “Havana Light” and “Orange Mint” also contain similar levels of nicotine. Many users prefer the “Strawberry” flavour.
Drug Addiction Prevention Organisation, known as MANAS, founder Dr Arup Ratan Chowdhury said shisha has become a serious threat now.
“Shisha consumption is allowed in smoking zones of elite restaurants. By getting young people hooked on shisha, they are later attracted to cocaine, heroin, and yaba. The government is not focusing on drug control. The drug lords are taking advantage as the government is focusing on elections. Without eradicating drugs, no reform will be successful,” he said.