In today’s Bangladesh, one cannot help but notice a growing sense of instability. Crime on the streets, breakdowns within families, unrest in educational institutions, and the alarming moral decline among young people have become increasingly visible. If one were to identify a single factor behind these interconnected crises, it would undoubtedly be drug abuse. The destructive grip of narcotics is no longer ruining only individual lives; it is hollowing out the very foundations of society. From families to state institutions, from individuals to communities, every layer of society is being affected by this toxic menace.
The curse of drugs is not new. However, over the past two decades, the scale, variety, and severity of drug abuse have reached unprecedented levels. Yaba, Ice (crystal methamphetamine), heroin, phensedyl, cannabis, and cocaine continue to spread across the country. Each new substance brings with it new dangers and deeper destruction. In this context, raising awareness, encouraging public discussion, and building collective resistance against drugs have become urgent national priorities.
According to the latest figures from the Department of Narcotics Control, Bangladesh currently has more than seven million drug addicts. In the 1990s, the number was below one million. This means that within just three decades, the number of addicts has increased more than sevenfold. Alarmingly, around 80 percent of these individuals are children, adolescents, and young adults, posing a serious threat to the nation’s future.
A United Nations report indicates that 84 percent of drug addicts in Bangladesh are male, while 16 percent are female. Particularly concerning is the steady increase in female drug addiction. Among drug users, 43 percent are unemployed, and 50 percent are involved in one form of criminal activity or another. Approximately 350,000 people across the country are directly or indirectly involved in the drug trade. Every day, narcotics worth at least BDT 2 billion are traded, while more than BDT 100 billion is believed to be transferred abroad annually for the import of illegal drugs.
Drug abuse is not merely a personal issue; it is a social catastrophe. When one person becomes addicted, the consequences spread to families, neighbors, and the broader community. Addiction destroys a person’s humanity, conscience, and sense of right and wrong. It can transform an ordinary individual into someone aggressive, dangerous, and unpredictable.
Newspapers regularly report heartbreaking incidents: a drug-addicted son murdering his parents, a husband setting his wife on fire for refusing to provide money for drugs, or a father selling his child to finance his addiction. These are not isolated incidents; they are recurring consequences of drug abuse. To obtain money for drugs, many young people become involved in theft, robbery, extortion, and even murder. Criminal networks exploit addicted youths for kidnapping, violence, and other illegal activities.
Drug abuse and crime are deeply interconnected. Addiction fuels criminal behavior, while criminal profits are often reinvested into the drug trade, creating a vicious cycle. Addicts frequently begin by stealing from family members before moving on to theft, robbery, extortion, and organized crime. Drug traffickers often recruit addicted youths to carry out violent acts, including murder, kidnapping, and terrorism-related activities.
The rise of juvenile gangs in Dhaka and other parts of the country is closely linked to drug abuse. Gang members often consume drugs to gain confidence before engaging in violent acts. Incidents involving bullying, harassment, assaults, and fatal stabbings among students frequently have connections to narcotics. The deterioration of law and order in many areas cannot be separated from the widespread presence of drugs.
Today, the drug trade has become one of the most profitable illicit industries in the world, second only to the illegal arms trade. The enormous profits involved have led to persistent allegations that drug traffickers benefit from political, administrative, and law-enforcement protection. Such circumstances make the fight against narcotics even more challenging. It is estimated that nearly three million people across the country are involved in drug trafficking and distribution networks.
Prevention remains far more effective than treatment. Combating drugs is not solely the responsibility of the government; families, communities, educational institutions, and religious organizations must all play active roles. The family is the first line of defense. Parents should remain aware of their children’s activities, friendships, and social environments. Creating a stable and supportive home environment is essential for protecting young people from addiction.
Educational institutions should incorporate mandatory awareness programs about the dangers of drug abuse. Universities may consider introducing drug screening policies and strengthening counseling services to support students facing emotional or psychological difficulties. Encouraging participation in sports, cultural activities, and creative pursuits can also provide healthy alternatives to addiction.
People living in border areas who become involved in drug smuggling due to poverty should be provided with alternative employment opportunities. Reducing unemployment can significantly decrease the demand for drugs. Every public hospital should offer treatment services for addiction, and more rehabilitation centers should be established throughout the country. International cooperation with neighboring countries, particularly Myanmar and India, is also essential to curb cross-border trafficking.
Drug abuse is an all-consuming threat. It destroys not only individuals but also families, communities, and national institutions. The social disorder, violence, family disintegration, and moral decline witnessed today are closely linked to the spread of narcotics. Breaking this vicious cycle requires a coordinated and determined response from all sectors of society.
At the same time, it is important to remember that drug addicts are also victims. They deserve treatment, rehabilitation, and compassion rather than hatred and exclusion. However, those who profit from spreading this poison must be brought under the full force of the law. Regardless of political affiliation, religion, ethnicity, or social background, everyone must unite in the pursuit of a drug-free society. If we fail to save this generation from the scourge of addiction, safeguarding the future of Bangladesh will become an impossible task.
The writer is a columnist
