Home
Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday told Parliament that a nationwide
coordinated drive against illegal drugs, shisha lounges and online
gambling will begin after April 30, warning that there is "no
alternative" to such action to protect the youth from addiction and
social decay.
"The government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy
on narcotics and cyber-based gambling platforms" the minister said,
describing them as major threats to public health, morality, and social
stability.
He came up with disclosure in his statement delivered
in the House, responding to a notice on matters of public importance
placed by ruling party lawmaker Zainul Abdin Farroque (Noakhali-2) under
Rule-71 of the Rules of Procedure.
In the notice, Farroque drew
the attention of the Home Minister to shut down illegal shisha lounges
run in the guise of residential buildings, restaurants or cafes in the
city's posh areas.
In response, Salahuddin Ahmed said the youth
are being increasingly targeted by drugs and online gambling networks.
"To protect them, a coordinated nationwide drive involving all relevant
agencies will begin after April 30 immediately after the end of the
current parliament session. There is no alternative to it (this
initiative)," he said.
The Home Minister said illegal shisha
lounges operating under the disguise of restaurants, cafés, and
residential facilities in different parts of the capital have already
been brought under intensified surveillance.
He said law
enforcement agencies, including the Department of Narcotics Control,
have been conducting regular raids and mobile court operations. "The
Department of Narcotics Control, along with other law enforcement
agencies, is carrying out continuous drives. We are also strengthening
intelligence monitoring so that these establishments cannot re-emerge
under new names or locations," he added.
Salahuddin Ahmed further
informed the House that under the Narcotics Control Act, 2018 (amended
in 2020), shisha containing harmful substances is classified as a
controlled narcotic item, making its unauthorised use and trade illegal.
He said several recent operations in areas such as Gulshan, Banani,
Dhanmondi and Uttara have resulted in the seizure of illegal shisha
equipment and materials.
The Home Minister said city corporations
and local authorities are also working in coordination with law
enforcement agencies to identify and shut down such illegal businesses.
"No trade licence is issued for shisha lounges. Any such activity is
completely illegal and will be dealt with strictly," he said. �"UNB
