Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed spoke at the Jatiya Sangsad today. Photo: Video Screenshot

SANGSAD BHABAN, April 28, 2026 (BSS) - Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today said the government has intensified various measures against narcotics, juvenile gangs and related crimes to prudently curb such menaces in the country.

“Drugs not only destroy individuals but also destroy the entire society gradually and thus led social order, the economy, family structures and future generations and everything towards destruction,” he said.

The Home Minister said this in response to a query from opposition lawmaker Md. Shafiqul Islam (Patuakhali-2) in the House today. 

He also warned that drug abuse is fuelling a surge in juvenile gangs, theft, robbery and other offences across the country.

“To finance addiction, many individuals become involved in criminal activities such as theft, mugging, robbery and juvenile gang operations, increasing insecurity in society,” he said, adding that combating the menace requires coordinated efforts from individuals, families, communities and the state alongside law enforcement measures.

The minister outlined a series of steps taken by police and other agencies to prevent drug abuse and associated crimes: Intelligence surveillance has been strengthened nationwide; Regular and special drives are being conducted based on intelligence inputs; Day and night patrols have been intensified on highways and key locations; Check posts have been set up at sensitive locations to search vehicles and passengers; CCTV surveillance and advanced technology are being used to identify offenders; Body-worn cameras have been introduced for policing; Community policing, open house meetings, seminars and workshops are being used to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs; Beat policing activities have been expanded at the grassroots level.

The Minister said that the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has strengthened round-the-clock patrols and surveillance along border areas to prevent drug trafficking. 

“Joint operations with other law enforcement agencies are also underway to curb crimes such as mugging and robbery,” he said.

Between April 2025 and March 2026, BGB arrested 1,922 criminals and filed 1,771 cases, seizing large quantities of narcotics, including: 15,134,945 yaba tablets; 61,684 bottles of phensedyl; 17,598 kg of cannabis; 98,422 bottles of foreign liquor; 12,788 bottles of beer; 10.15 kg of crystal meth (ice); 4.83 kg of cocaine and 48 bottles of LSD.

He said the Department of Narcotics Control is expanding anti-drug awareness campaigns by training mentors in educational institutions and organising workshops and public hearings in all districts.

“Anti-drug committees have been formed in schools and colleges, while counselling and mental health services are being provided to addicts,” he said.

The Minister said the Ministry of Social Welfare is implementing integrated child rehabilitation programmes targeting vulnerable and at-risk children aged 6 to under 18 through 17 centres and 33 units nationwide.

The minister reiterated that tackling drug abuse and related criminal activities requires a comprehensive approach combining enforcement, prevention, awareness and rehabilitation.