On 16 October 2020, authorities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport intercepted a massive drug haul—38,837 yaba tablets—intended for illegal distribution. Two suspects, Md Firoz Ahmed, 28, and Md Abu Shamim, 30, were arrested under the Narcotics Control Act 2018, sections 36(k), 9(g), 10(g), 40, and 41.
The following day, 17 October 2020, Inspector Azadul Islam Salam of the airport’s Narcotics Control Department formally lodged a case.
Investigations soon revealed eight additional suspects linked to the network, all of whom were arrested. Yet, almost predictably, each has since secured bail, leaving the main kingpins behind the operation free and hidden.
Salam expressed his frustration and said, “We seize drugs and arrest suspects, but somehow, they secure bail. How this happens is beyond our authority.”
This case underscores a recurring problem in Bangladesh’s fight against drugs. Despite a strict official stance, the menace continues to flourish. Arrests are made, cases filed, suspects jailed—but many walk free soon after, while the primary operators remain concealed. Experts point to weak legal frameworks, limited investigation, and insufficient evidence as factors that allow arrested suspects to walk free, enabling networks to continue operating.
Professor Rezaul Karim Sohag, Chairman of the Criminology Department at Dhaka University, said political and social influence strengthens drug networks. “Drug traffickers and their associates wield considerable power socially and politically. Our laws are outdated and contain weaknesses. Key suspects easily evade justice, and the same networks continue their operations,” he explained.
He added that punishment in drug cases is rare. Usually, only couriers are arrested, while main traders remain hidden. “A large group is involved in the drug network. State action is urgently needed to confront this crisis,” he said.
Another striking example came last November. Based on secret information, Md Zubair, 28, was intercepted at Paltan Model Police Station with an air parcel from the UK. Zubair was arrested, and evidence recovered linked him to an organised network. This led to further arrests, including suspects Apurba Roy, 26, and Syed Shayan Ahmed, 24.
Police say the suspects are active members of an international drug trafficking network. Working in coordination, they import modern drug parcels from developed countries and sell them strategically among the youth. Reports indicate 3–4 more individuals are involved. Although all the suspects in this case were arrested, they are now out on bail. Since the suspects are not cooperating, the main kingpins behind the drug trade remain at large. Several hearings in the case have already taken place.
Investigator Zakir Hossain said the case is currently awaiting the forensic report. “Once that is complete, the charge sheet will be submitted to the court. The delay in filing ensures a proper investigation. Meanwhile, the suspects are out on bail,” he said. Zakir added, “Once the court grants bail, there is nothing we can do.”
Nazrul Islam, Public Prosecutor for South City Corporation, said authorities try to trace the kingpins using information obtained from arrested suspects. “However, weak legal and evidential support often prevents the detention of main operators,” he explained.
Abdul Quader, Assistant Director of the Department of Narcotics Control, told TIMES of Bangladesh: “We arrest the suspects, after which the court grants bail. The decision to grant bail is entirely up to the court and largely depends on the suspects’ confessions.”
Arup Ratan Chowdhury, founder of the National Council for Narcotics Control (MANAS), said drugs enter Bangladesh through multiple routes. “The trade involves not only consumers but also many influential individuals. Children of affluent families are implicated. Law enforcement and political figures are sometimes connected,” he said. “Bail and lack of exemplary punishment, coupled with insufficient evidence, allow arrested suspects to go free while the true kingpins remain hidden.”
Omar Faruq Faruki, Public Prosecutor at Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court, said it is imperative to dismantle the drug kingpins. “Essentially, those who are arrested act as operatives or employees for the kingpins. When their operatives are arrested and sent to jail, these kingpins use legal loopholes to secure their release. There is no legal weakness in granting bail to the suspects. However, they secure bail due to the absence of witnesses and lack of proper, verifiable documents,” he added.
The repeated release of arrested operatives exposes a deep-rooted systemic flaw. While low-level couriers face arrests, the masterminds orchestrating Bangladesh’s drug networks remain untouchable. Political clout, legal loopholes, and weak evidence allow these networks to thrive in the shadows. Without decisive state intervention and stricter enforcement, the grip of drug kingpins will continue to cast a long shadow over the nation’s fight against narcotics.
