One of the problems that exists in our country is the drug addiction. The use of drugs is increasing at an alarming rate day by day. The drug is the most profitable business after weapons in the banned world. At present there is no place in the country where drugs are not sold. It is available from the city to the village. Drug addiction is a horrible death. It is better to call them poison than to call them intoxicants. At present, the new drug is getting in the country. The prevailing drugs in Bangladesh include yaba, marijuana, phencidyle, alcohol, opium, heroin, cocaine, pethidine, various types of sleeping drugs and even shoe glue.
Murders, rapes and robberies while under the influence of drugs or while collecting money have become daily news. Drug addiction has emerged as a major social and health crisis in Bangladesh.
According to 2026 data, the drug situation in the country is very alarming. About 82 to 83 lakh people in Bangladesh are addicted to drugs in one way or another. Another source claims the figure to be as high as one and a half crore. 80 percent of drug addicts are teenagers and young adults. 60 percent of drug addicts are directly involved in various types of crime.
A very brutal and gruesome murder under the influence of drugs has recently taken place in Gazipur's Kapasia. It has been alleged that a person named Forkan Mia killed his wife, three children and brother-in-law by hacking and slitting their throats in the night of last May 8 (Friday) in Rautkona area of Kapasia Upazila. Accused Forkan Mia is a drug addict. According to police and locals, he often tortured his wife for drug money. On the night of the incident, he tricked his family members into unconsciousness by mixing anesthetic with food and later killed them all with sharp weapons.
According to the Directorate of Narcotics Control, the number of drug addicts in the country is currently more than 70 lac. About 80 (%) percent of the children are young. Of the large number of drug addicts, about 59.30 percent of the children and adolescents were influenced by the associates and friends, with 37 percent curiously. Terrible intoxicants have spread to the society of society. Most of these drugs come from neighboring countries like India and Myanmar through infiltration.
Although not a drug producing country, Bangladesh is at major risk of drugs for geographical reasons. Bangladesh is located in the center of the three major regions of drug smuggling known as the Golden Triangle, Golden Crescent and Golden Wage. So international drug dealers are also able to use Bangladesh as a transit. Through Bangladesh, hundreds of rivers have fallen into the Bay of Bengal in the south. Drug smugglers consider the coast and waterways to be a very suitable way to smuggle their products.
Apart from this, the route of drugs has been developed in various places of the country. Also, the border of Ukhia-Teknaf is kind of unprotected. The main purpose of setting up more than three Yaba factories on the Bangladesh border in Myanmar is is to sell drugs in Bangladesh. So far, the border area of Bangladesh has become a sanctuary for Yaba and drug trafficking and on the way to fulfill their goals and objectives.
The role of the family is the highest in the treatment of drug addicts. Family participation and cooperation is required at all stages of the treatment of drug dependents. The drug dependent person does not naturally seek treatment. Because he does not understand, he needs treatment. So, in the interest of the country, we must take steps to protect the future generations.
For numerous reasons a person can be addicted to drugs.Serving drugs creates a good feeling among people. Power, confidence, and courage can increase drugs like cocaine. The influence of heroin causes feelings of peace and contentment. Drugs also work temporarily to reduce depression, emotional stress, depression, etc. A large part of the drug addict started taking the drug under stress.
The future of the children of the generation is uncertain, just as the future of the children of the generation, is breaking their physical and mental health. Now when the pages of the Newspaper open, the eyes of the drug addicts are reported to be attacked somewhere. The tragic event of the murder of parents in the hands of drug addicts is now a nasty event. This scope of the drug tells where exactly the condition of the drug reached!
According to a survey, 2 out of 1000 people aged 7-11 years are drug addicted. However, it does not usually reach the level of drug dependence as very little drugs are taken at this time. At this age, the family and social environment are mainly responsible for the child's drug service. In most slums, children are seen growing up with drug addicts. Many times, they themselves are involved in various criminal activities, including drug smuggling. And thus becomes a drug addict. Social media also plays a very strong role in the spread of drugs. Basically, the chances of being influenced by classmates and surrounding people are increased through social media. The use of drugs becomes quite normal.
Meanwhile, as young people are going astray due to the availability of drugs, their education is being disrupted and their families are breaking down. Now the drug addicts have become a burden and curse to those families. The drug trade has spread widely across the country. With this, various social crimes are increasing. In order to prevent drugs, people from all sections of the society, including NGOs, teachers, mosque imams or other religions, parents, guardians, public representatives, must come forward to prevent drugs. It is our expectation that they will make the people aware against drugs through their statements and actions from their respective fields.
The writer is former Registrar, JSTU
