BD inks MoU with Pak to curb drug trafficking

Bangladesh and Pakistan have signed a memorandum of understanding to prevent the illegal trafficking and misuse of narcotics and psychotropic substances.

The agreement was signed today, Friday, at a ceremony held at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka. Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi signed the deal on behalf of their respective countries.

Under the MoU, both countries will exchange necessary information and provide technical assistance to prevent drug trafficking and drug-related money laundering.

They will also regularly share intelligence on suspected individuals involved in drug crimes, trafficking organisations, new smuggling methods, and trafficking routes.

The two countries will exchange regular information on drug traffickers, criminal organisations, and new methods of concealing drugs.

Intelligence agencies from both countries may conduct coordinated operations, including controlled delivery operations, upon mutual request.

Both sides agreed to cooperate on training and retraining officials involved in drug control, as well as sharing scientific research findings.

The countries will share experience in using technical equipment and sniffer dogs to detect hidden drugs.

Bangladesh’s Department of Narcotics Control and Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force will serve as focal points for regular and operational information exchange.

All shared information and documents will be kept strictly confidential and will not be disclosed to any third party.

The agreement will remain in effect for 10 years from the date of signing and may be extended later with mutual consent. Both countries expressed hope that this cooperation will help protect public health and security for their citizens.