DRUG addiction has emerged as one of the most critical public health and social issues in Bangladesh, particularly among the younger population. The increasing accessibility and use of harmful substances such as yaba, phenedyl and heroin have led to a widespread crisis, threatening not only individuals but the future of the entire nation. The youth, who represent the country鈥檚 most significant potential, are increasingly falling prey to addiction, making it imperative to address this issue with urgency and a comprehensive approach.
One of the critical issues driving drug addiction in Bangladesh is the corruption within law enforcement and border control. Despite ongoing efforts by the Department of Narcotics Control, corruption undermines the fight against drug trafficking. Drug smugglers routinely bribe border officials to facilitate the safe passage of narcotics, while local law enforcement often looks the other way. This hinders national efforts to control the drug trade.
In addition to the corruption issue, the lack of mental health services plays a significant role in worsening the addiction crisis. Many young people turn to drugs as a coping mechanism for underlying mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and trauma. Unfortunately, Bangladesh鈥檚 healthcare system is ill-equipped to address these needs. Mental health services are sparse, especially in rural areas, leaving many young people untreated and vulnerable to addiction.
Inadequate rehabilitation infrastructure further compounds the issue. The number of rehabilitation centres across Bangladesh is woefully insufficient to meet the growing needs of people with addiction. Many existing facilities are underfunded and overcrowded, making it difficult to provide comprehensive treatment. This is particularly problematic for people with addiction from low-income backgrounds, who often cannot access rehabilitation services, perpetuating the cycle of addiction.
The social stigma surrounding drug addiction creates another significant barrier to recovery. In Bangladesh, drug addiction is frequently viewed as a moral failing rather than a public health issue. As a result, people with an addiction are often ostracised, which discourages them from seeking help. This stigma prevents open discussions about addiction and makes it difficult for individuals to reintegrate into society after receiving treatment.
The lack of comprehensive educational initiatives further weakens prevention efforts. While some schools offer brief drug education programmes, these initiatives are often insufficient and fail to resonate with the youth most at risk. A lack of consistent, targeted, and engaging educational programmes means that prevention strategies fall short, allowing drug use to spread unchecked.
In response to the growing drug addiction crisis, the government has primarily focused on punitive measures. Over-reliance on punitive measures, such as arrests and harsh prison sentences, is a hallmark of the government鈥檚 approach. However, this strategy is ineffective in addressing the root causes of addiction. Punishment without rehabilitation often results in overcrowded prisons where people with an addiction do not receive treatment, leading to recidivism once they are released. Thus, the cycle of addiction continues.
Additionally, neglect of harm reduction strategies represents a significant oversight in the government鈥檚 approach to combating addiction. Globally, harm reduction strategies such as needle exchange programmes, safe consumption spaces, and opioid substitution therapies have proven successful in reducing the health risks associated with drug use and helping individuals transition to healthier lifestyles. However, such strategies have yet to be widely implemented in Bangladesh, where the focus remains on criminalising drug use rather than minimising its harms.
Another significant shortcoming is the lack of data-driven policymaking. Policies surrounding drug addiction in Bangladesh are often reactive and lack a solid evidence base. Without comprehensive research into the socio-economic factors driving drug addiction, patterns of drug use, and effective rehabilitation methods, the government is unable to develop proactive and targeted interventions. This has led to ineffective and outdated approaches to drug control.
Underfunding of prevention and rehabilitation programmes also remains a critical issue. While the government allocates significant resources to law enforcement, it invests relatively little in programmes designed to prevent addiction or support recovery. The result is a disproportionate focus on punishment rather than prevention, leaving mental health services, drug prevention education, and rehabilitation centres chronically underfunded.
The drug addiction crisis disproportionately affects the youth of Bangladesh, particularly those between the ages of 15 and 35. According to recent studies, approximately 88 per cent of drug abusers in the country belong to this age group, highlighting the vulnerability of young people to addiction. Substances like yaba, a methamphetamine-based drug, are prevalent among students and young adults, often glamorised as fashionable or trendy. However, yaba use has been linked to severe psychological issues, including depression, anxiety and suicidal tendencies. The mental health toll on Bangladesh鈥檚 younger generation is profound, leading to tragic outcomes for individuals and their families.
Drug addiction extends beyond individual suffering, significantly impacting the broader fabric of society. Young people grappling with addiction frequently encounter challenges in maintaining stable relationships, continuing their education and securing employment. This not only weakens social cohesion but also disrupts family structures, exacerbating crime rates and destabilising communities. The economic toll is equally profound, as individuals battling addiction divert substantial financial resources towards illicit substances, draining funds that could otherwise be invested in education, healthcare and personal growth. This misallocation of resources hampers both individual progress and national development.
To effectively combat the growing drug addiction crisis in Bangladesh, a multifaceted approach is necessary 鈥� one that goes beyond law enforcement and addresses the root causes of addiction. First, strengthening cross-border collaboration is essential to reducing the flow of drugs into the country. The government should work closely with neighbouring countries, particularly Myanmar, to improve intelligence sharing and border management. Increased cooperation with these nations can help curb the smuggling of drugs like yaba, which has become a significant problem in Bangladesh.
Second, the government must invest in mental health services. By integrating mental health support into schools, community centres and healthcare systems, early intervention can be provided to young people at risk of turning to drugs. Mental health should be treated as a central component of public health, and more resources should be allocated to provide counselling and support for those in need.
Third, the government needs to expand rehabilitation services and adopt global best practices in harm reduction. More rehabilitation centres must be built, and existing centres should be adequately funded and staffed to provide comprehensive treatment. In addition, introducing harm reduction programmes such as needle exchange initiatives and safe consumption spaces will help reduce the health risks associated with drug use and enable people with an addiction to transition toward recovery.
Community-based interventions are another crucial component of a successful response to drug addiction. Local communities, including religious and cultural leaders, should be more active in drug prevention and rehabilitation efforts. Community-led programs that provide education, mentorship and support to at-risk youth can create a more supportive environment for those struggling with addiction.
Educational reform is also necessary to improve prevention efforts. Comprehensive drug education programmes must be integrated into school curricula, focusing on age-appropriate, engaging content that resonates with students. Beyond the classroom, public awareness campaigns using social media, television and community outreach should raise awareness about the dangers of drug use and encourage individuals to seek help.
Moreover, the government should tackle the rise of online drug markets by collaborating with technology companies and cybercrime units to monitor and shut down illegal drug sales on digital platforms. The anonymity provided by these platforms has made it easier for young people to access drugs, making law enforcement efforts even more challenging. Finally, a shift in the justice system from punishment to rehabilitation is needed. Rather than imprisoning drug users, the focus should be on treatment and reintegration into society. Alternative sentencing options, such as drug courts, community service programmes and parole systems, can provide a pathway to recovery rather than perpetuating the cycle of addiction.
Drug addiction poses a significant threat to the future of Bangladesh, mainly as it disproportionately affects the younger generation. A comprehensive response is essential to protect the country鈥檚 youth and ensure a healthier future. This response must go beyond punitive measures and focus on addressing the root causes of addiction through community involvement, mental health support, educational reform and expanded rehabilitation services. By adopting these strategies, Bangladesh can begin to curb the rise of drug addiction, safeguard its youth and secure the nation鈥檚 future. The time for action is now, and the path to a healthier tomorrow begins with the steps we take today.
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Dr Mohammad Shahidul Islam is an assistant professor of marketing, BRAC Business School, BRAC University.
