At least 162 alleged drug peddlers have been killed in the first five months of 2019, a rights body, said on Friday.
According to human rights organization, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), at least 421 people were killed in alleged gunfights, crossfire or shootouts with the law enforcement agencies in 2018.
Meanwhile, there has been no respite in the business of Yaba trade despite numerous anti-drug drives and so-called gunfights.
The Yaba traders have changed their tactics and routes. Law enforces each day seize a huge number yaba pills from different parts of the city.
In the first five months of 2019, the number of such killings was at least 162, the rights body said on its website. 102 yaba traders including 29 godfather surrendered after the nationwide anti-drug crackdown was launched in May in 2018.
Meanwhile, of 72 godfathers named on a list of the Home Ministry, 24 surrendered to police on Saturday. Some seven including top Yaba traders were killed in 'gunfights' with law enforcers while 43 are still at large.
The database of Department of Narcotics Control shows the agency had recovered some 8,200 yaba pills in Teknaf alone over the first 16 days of this month.
The Rapid Action Battalion seized 40,000 pieces of yaba and arrested a drug trader on Saturday.
A high official of BGB, requesting anonymity, told the daily Observer that that they have a list of 1,500 yaba dealers and carriers. About 1000 of them got arrested, he added.
Locals and law enforcement sources say some 15 top listed godfathers are often found roaming different areas of Teknaf.
Some 17000 drug suspects have been arrested since law enforcement agencies sharply stepped up their anti-narcotics operations on May 14, in a campaign aimed largely at stemming the flow of yaba tablets, a methamphetamine manufactured and smuggled in from neighboring Myanmar, authorities said.
Law enforcing agencies, including police, RAB, and BGB, started a nationwide anti-drug crackdown in May in 2018. Of them police achievement was the best than any others forces
According to law enforcing agency data, around 1.7 lakh drug addicts and drug traders have been arrested across the country by this time.
A total of 1.2 lakh cases have been filed against them, said police.
Law enforcement agencies have been reporting death of 'drug dealers' in 'crossfire' almost every day since the nationwide drive against drugs began in May following a directive by the government.
The government says it will show zeros tolerance for drug dealers. The ongoing drives against drug traders, smugglers and users would continue.
