Youth must be protected from the terrible clutches of drugs

THE entire country is flooded with drugs. Drugs have spread their tentacles from cities to even the most remote villages.

The situation has become so precarious that drugs are being openly peddled in some areas.

However, the most shocking fact is that 60 percent of drug users start using drugs before the age of 18.

That means our teenagers are also gradually stepping onto the path of darkness.

Citing sources from the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) and the police, a national newspaper reported yesterday that narcotics are being transported on long-distance buses by individuals posing as ordinary passengers.

To evade surveillance by security forces, drug traffickers are also utilizing air, water, and rail routes, as well as international courier services.

In recent years, Yaba has been spreading across the country from the Teknaf border via the Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar-Chittagong route.

Dangerous drugs such as heroin and Phensedyl are also entering the country through the borders in the northwest.

Data indicates that a total of 43,562,811 yaba tablets were seized across the country by law enforcing agencies in 2025, while the figure was 22,857,751 in 2024.

Vast quantities of drugs have also been recovered in the last six months.

A survey by the DNC indicates that approximately 8.2 million people in the country use illicit drugs, representing about 4.88 percent of the total population.

However, according to various non-governmental organizations, the actual figure could be higher.

Experts say that just conducting raids or arresting criminals will not solve the drug problem.

Prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration into society need to be seen as part of a comprehensive national strategy.

We must remember, a drug addict is not a criminal, but rather a sick person who needs proper treatment and compassion.

It is no longer merely a public health issue; it has evolved into a social and economic crisis.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have significantly stepped up their activities, and the volume of drug seizures has increased compared to the past.

Yet, the alarming fact remains that drugs are still reaching users through a variety of innovative methods.

So, we must ensure a coordinated fight by the triangular forces of the state, society and family, declaring it a ‘social war ’.

We believe that more effective and stringent measures must be taken to control the alarming spread of drugs. Domestic and international networks need to be dismantled.

Ensuring strict surveillance in the country’s border areas would significantly reduce the prevalence of drugs.

The fight against drugs must be a national priority—the sooner, the better.