The Narcotics Control (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was placed in Parliament on Saturday, proposing the establishment of separate tribunals for speedy trial of narcotics-related offences, introducing new legal provisions to tackle drug crimes in cyberspace and empowering the Department of Narcotics Control with firearms and dog squads to strengthen anti-smuggling operations, particularly along border areas.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed piloted the bill in the House, which was sent to the relevant parliamentary committee. The committee was asked to submit its report within three working days.
The amendment proposes increasing the maximum fine for violating the conditions of a licence, permit or pass under the law from Tk 1 lakh to Tk 5 lakh.
In the bill, the definitions of “Dog Squad,” “Digital Device,” “Narcotics Crimes Control Tribunal” and “Cyberspace” were incorporated.
According to the statement of objectives attached to the bill, drug abuse and narcotics-related crimes have become an increasing threat to Bangladesh’s social structure and public security.
It says drug addiction is directly contributing to serious crimes, including murder, rape, theft, mugging and robbery, creating severe challenges for law enforcement.
The existing workload of regular courts has slowed the disposal of narcotics cases, preventing timely justice and allowing drug-related crimes to proliferate, the bill notes.
To address the situation, the proposed amendment aims to ensure faster, more focused and effective adjudication of narcotics cases by establishing dedicated tribunals in drug-prone areas while preserving the jurisdiction of general courts.�" UNB
