Bangladesh is currently at a critical turning point in its demographic development, with a large share of the population classified as youth. This structure offers a unique demographic dividend which, if properly harnessed, can drive rapid economic growth, innovation, and societal progress. A healthy, skilled workforce can significantly boost national productivity. However, this potential is under threat due to the rising prevalence of drug abuse among young people. The widespread availability and consumption of illicit substances are eroding the health, productivity, and future of the country's youth. Weaknesses in law enforcement and governance intensify the crisis, affecting both individuals and the broader socio-economic fabric.
Recent data highlight the alarming rate of substance abuse among youth in Bangladesh. According to the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), over half of those undergoing treatment for addiction are adolescents and young adults. Estimates suggest about 8 million drug users in the country, mostly young people, though the actual number may exceed 20 million. Tobacco use-often a gateway to harder substances-is also widespread among youth. Its normalization fosters a culture of substance acceptance, increasing the risk of progression to more harmful drugs.
As of 2022, around 39.5 million people aged 15 and older use tobacco in Bangladesh-30.4 million men and 9.2 million women-making it one of the highest in South Asia. Adult tobacco use prevalence is 32.9%, combining both smoked and smokeless forms. Smoking stands at 16.8%, with a stark gender disparity: 34.1% of men and only 0.4% of women smoke. Smokeless tobacco use is also high, at 28%, affecting both genders nearly equally. Among adolescents aged 13-17, nearly 10% use tobacco in some form. In 2021, tobacco use accounted for approximately 130,135 deaths or 11.87% of total deaths in the country.
Bangladesh also faces a serious drug abuse problem involving both traditional and synthetic substances. These are used across all social classes and age groups, with youth particularly vulnerable. Yaba-a methamphetamine-caffeine pill smuggled from Myanmar-is among the most abused. Cannabis remains common, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, where social tolerance persists for this drug despite its illegality. Phensidyl, a codeine-based syrup from India, is widely misused. Though heroin use has declined, it remains prevalent in urban slums and marginalized communities.
Pethidine, a synthetic opioid, is also dangerously abused. Inhalants like glue and correction fluid are frequently used by street children due to their low cost. Alcohol, though not totally restricted, is often consumed illicitly. Newer drugs like LSD, ecstasy, and crystal meth are emerging among university students and affluent youth. Synthetic cannabinoids and other new psychoactive substances (NPS) are also on the rise, posing fresh health and regulatory challenges.
The spread of these substances is driven by porous borders, weak surveillance, and online trafficking. Easy access and low cost make them especially attractive to youth, fueling addiction and health issues. Drug abuse also correlates strongly with crime. In Bangladesh, youth addiction is linked to rising incidents of theft, robbery, hijacking, violence, domestic abuse, and teenage gang activity. One study found that 43% of unemployed drug users are involved in criminal acts, with 80% of them being young individuals.
Violence against women and children is a particularly distressing consequence of drugs abuse. The 2024 'Violence Against Women' Survey indicated that over 54% of women have been physically or sexually abused at some point. Substance abuse exacerbates these issues, impairing judgment and increasing aggression. With widespread drug abuse, women and children are increasingly victimized through rape, murder, eve-teasing, molestation, etc. Law enforcement's reluctance to disclose perpetrators' identities further complicates the situation. This culture of anonymity fosters impunity, creates scopes for repeated crimes, undermines public trust in the justice system, and hinders efforts to combat drug-induced crimes against women and children effectively.
Bangladesh's demographic dividend is marked by a youthful working-age population, comprising approximately 65.6% of the total population as of 2022. This structure offers economic growth potential, provided youth are healthy, educated, and employed. However, the rising tide of drug abuse threatens to squander this. Addiction leads to lower productivity, higher healthcare costs, and a strained justice system. The stigma around addiction also hampers rehabilitation, causing cycles of unemployment and criminality among youth.
Globally, unchecked drug abuse has devastated youth populations. In Sierra Leone, a synthetic drug called "kush" has sparked a crisis, with addicts desecrating graves to obtain human bones used in its production. Moldova suffers from severe alcohol abuse, with one in four deaths linked to excessive drinking. The United States leads in drug use disorders, with 3,500 cases per 100,000-far higher than Canada (1,920), New Zealand (1,770), and the United Kingdom (1,700). Other high-rated countries include Greenland, Australia, and Estonia.
These examples underscore the critical need for proactive strategies to prevent substance abuse and the severe consequences of neglecting this issue. The United States recently identified South Asia as a major source of raw materials used in producing various illicit drugs. While many countries possess diverse natural resources to address their respective challenges, Bangladesh's most valuable asset is its youth, being the cornerstone of national development. Therefore, if this vital segment of society falls victim to the scourge of drugs, the resulting loss would be irreplaceable and deeply detrimental to the nation's future.
To address the growing crisis of drug abuse among Bangladeshi youth, the government must adopt a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach. A key priority is strengthening law enforcement. This includes enhancing border security to curb drug smuggling from neighboring countries and dismantling domestic trafficking networks through improved intelligence, inter-agency coordination, and political will to confront powerful vested interests.
Reforming the criminal justice system to ensure greater transparency is equally vital. Currently, a culture of secrecy surrounds many drug-related arrests, with law enforcement often withholding offenders' identities. This fosters impunity and discourages public cooperation. Mandatory disclosure of perpetrators' identities, especially in violent or repeat cases, would serve as a deterrent and restore public trust in law enforcement.
The existing legal framework in Bangladesh includes stringent laws aimed at curbing drug abuse. However, their efficacy is undermined by inconsistent enforcement and corruption. Strict implementation is imperative to deter drug-related activities and protect youth from falling into addiction. Moreover, the government must ensure that law enforcement agencies are properly trained and equipped to handle drug-related cases with professionalism and integrity. This includes regular monitoring, accountability mechanisms, and community policing initiatives to foster collaboration between police and the public.
Public awareness must also be a central pillar. The government should launch nationwide campaigns aimed at youth, parents, educators, and community leaders to highlight the dangers of drug addiction. Media, influencers, and educational institutions can effectively deliver these messages in ways that resonate with young audiences. Another essential step is expanding rehabilitation services. Most centers are under-resourced or private, limiting access and also very costly. Publicly funded, community-based facilities should offer detoxification, psychological care, and vocational training to support long-term recovery and reintegration. Community engagement is crucial. Governments, religious bodies, NGOs, and civic groups should run mentorship, counseling, and recreational programs to offer youth positive alternatives. Grassroots initiatives provide vulnerable individuals with purpose and belonging outside of drugs. Moreover, we must create more opportunity to for the youth to participate in sports and social activities so that they are engaged in constructive leisure.
Education plays a pivotal role in prevention efforts. Drug awareness should be integrated into the curriculum early, equipping students with knowledge of substance abuse risks while fostering decision-making and peer-resistance skills. Educators should identify warning signs and guide at-risk students toward support services. A structured evaluation system could incentivize positive behavior, awarding at least 50 marks to students committed to remaining free from drugs and immoral acts. We can even introduce dope testing before annual exam to reinforce this commitment as fighting this evil is a grave need. These initiatives can promote accountability and foster moral and social responsibility, strengthening the collective resolve to combat drug abuse.
Bangladesh is undergoing critical reform, largely driven by its youth. However, amid this transformation, authorities lack a coordinated response to drug abuse, dangerously overlooking the issue. If the drug menace compromises the wellbeing of youth-the agents of change-reform efforts risk failure. A nation's progress and sustainable democracy are tied to the health and vision of its younger generation. An addicted and disempowered youth weakens the foundation of progress. The future of Bangladesh depends on decisive actions against drugs and this responsibility can no longer be ignored. Most importantly, all the political parties and even religious organizations must keep the drugs abuse issue in all their declarations and manifesto. Only if all political parties are committed to fight this evil, win can be possible.
Drug abuse among the youth in Bangladesh is not just a personal or social issue-it is a national crisis that threatens the country's future. The connection between drug use, rising crime rates, and a weak law enforcement system undermines stability and progress. Young people, who are the backbone of Bangladesh's development, risk falling into cycles of addiction and delinquency. Hence, authorities must act swiftly to recognize the severity of this threat and implement strict policies that ensure zero tolerance for drugs. We must protect our youth from this fierce menace.
The writer is Chief Editor at Mohammadi News Agency (MNA) and Editor at Kishore Bangla
