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There has been little success in the drive against drugs, even in relative terms. By all indications, the menace is expanding, assuming newer forms and greater intensity with the influx of new substances. The findings of the latest nationwide survey conducted by Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) underscore this grim reality, revealing an alarming rise in drug abuse across the country. The study estimates that around 82 lakh people, nearly 5 per cent of the population, currently use one or more illicit substances. Even more distressing is the fact that the majority remain outside the reach of treatment or rehabilitation.
There is no disputing that fast-spreading drug addiction is destroying a significant segment of society, particularly the youth, while seriously jeopardising public health and economic prospects. Drug smuggling has emerged as a serious problem, and a huge amount of money goes out of the country because of that. The damage, however, is not only economic; drugs are a key driver of crime and the escalation of criminal activities. It also undermines human resource development and erodes family and social bonds. Stemming the rot must therefore be a top priority.
One of the most alarming finds of the study is the age profile of drug users. Nearly one-third of respondents reported first using drugs between the ages of eight and 17, while almost 60 per cent began between 18 and 25. This points to early exposure and a failure to safeguard adolescents and young people during their most vulnerable years. When addiction takes root so early in life, its consequences can be life-long.
Equally troubling is the finding that nearly 90 per cent of users report easy access to drugs. Despite years of anti-narcotics campaigns and enforcement operations, illicit substances remain widely available across the country. This raises serious questions about the effectiveness of routine law enforcement drives against drugs.
Another critical issue highlighted by the survey is the severe shortage of treatment and rehabilitation services. Only 13 per cent of drug users have ever accessed any form of treatment or rehabilitation, a stark indictment of the country's support infrastructure. More than half of users have attempted to quit at least once, but most have failed due to the absence of quality treatment, counselling, and social and financial support. Medical science has long established that addiction is a chronic condition requiring long-term treatment and counseling, not stigma or neglect.
Law enforcement agencies are not unaware of the drug cartels and trafficking networks. Occasional raids are carried out and drug peddlers are arrested, with consignments seized. Yet such actions rarely produce lasting results. The failure of these drives is often attributed to bribery and the protection drug peddlers enjoy from powerful quarters. Drug laws are widely perceived as weak, while prosecution remains perfunctory. Reports of political patronage for traffickers, along with the alleged involvement of some members of law enforcement agencies, further weaken the fight against drugs. With changes in political power, new sets of peddlers and agents reportedly emerge, drawing more people into the trade and facilitating the further spread of drugs across society.
Drastic and coordinated steps are therefore imperative to address this growing menace. With strong political will and commitment, there is no reason Bangladesh cannot bring drug abuse under control. Efforts must be pursued at all levels, beginning with schools, where awareness programmes can help protect children from early exposure. At the same time, the social conditions that fuel drug culture such as unemployment, mental stress, and the lack of healthy recreational opportunities must be addressed. Finally, drug users should be treated as victims of a social scourge who need care, not condemnation. Rehabilitating addicts back to a normal life is as vital for public health as it is for reducing crime and building a healthy generation.