Drug dens flourish in Dhaka’s heart

Shahariar Islam Sovon :
Karwan Bazar and Tejgaon, nestled in the heart of the capital, have unfortunately become not only hotspots for criminal activity such as snatching valuables but also havens for the sale of drugs. This alarming trend has resulted in numerous challenges for local residents, compounded by the apparent indifference of authorities to the situation.

During a recent visit to the area stretching from Tejgaon level crossing to the Karwan Bazar wholesale fish market, it was observed that over 50 teenage boys were either loitering on the railway tracks or standing beside them, peddling drugs packaged in small white papers.
Shockingly, these papers were found to contain yaba pills and marijuana leaves, as reported by some pedestrians and locals to The New Nation. It was evident that people of all ages flock to that area to procure drugs, making it an open secret for everyone involved.

The New Nation reporter engaged with five boys and girls selling drugs on the railway tracks at Karwan Bazar, probing into the illicit trade. The teenagers disclosed, “We sell one small pack of marijuana for Tk 100 and each yaba pill for Tk 300.”

Inquiring about the role of law enforcement agencies, local residents lamented that the police are well aware of the situation. Although occasionally they conduct searches on pedestrians to ostensibly combat drug sales, the sellers manage to evade scrutiny.

Jamal Ahmed, a trader in Karwan Bazar, shared with The New Nation the challenges they pose to the drug dealers who position themselves alongside the market. Their presence often obstructs both traders and pedestrians, making it difficult to navigate beside the railway line. He further noted that individuals can even be observed lying beside the railway track after consuming drugs.

The officer-in-charge of Tejgaon Police Station acknowledged the presence of yaba and marijuana sales on the Karwan Bazar railway tracks and surrounding areas. Despite the police’s efforts, including frequent raids and the arrest of narcotics traders, primarily women, from the area, the official lamented that the perpetrators often secure bail within days and resume their illegal activities with impunity.