Death penalty for online drug trade

Parliament on Monday passed the Narcotics Control (Amendment) Bill, paving the way for the death penalty as the maximum punishment for illegal drug trading conducted through cyberspace and digital platforms.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed placed the bill in the House, where it was passed by a voice vote after lawmakers rejected proposals seeking public opinion, referral to the parliamentary standing committee and amendments.

The amendment introduces a new provision to criminalise technology-based narcotics offences. Under the law, anyone who directly or indirectly uses cyberspace, digital devices, websites, social media, mobile applications, online platforms, electronic communication systems or any other digital medium to buy, sell, supply, advertise, facilitate or engage in illegal activities involving narcotic drugs or psychoactive substances will be guilty of an offence.

It also makes the use or attempted use of digital payment systems, e-wallets, virtual assets and cryptocurrencies for such activities a punishable offence.

Under the amended law, the recovery of narcotic drugs from an accused person will not be mandatory to prosecute offences committed through digital platforms.

Those convicted may face imprisonment for any term or the maximum punishment of death, along with a fine of up to Tk 20 lakh.
If the offence is committed as part of an international or organised criminal network, offenders may be sentenced to imprisonment for any term, fined up to Tk 50 lakh, or both.

The law also empowers competent courts and, where applicable, Narcotics Crime Suppression Tribunals to order the blocking, removal, seizure, confiscation or forfeiture of cyberspace resources, digital devices, digital accounts, digital payment systems, e-wallets, virtual assets and cryptocurrencies used in such crimes.