The New Nation - Internet Edition

DRUG abuse has turned into a social menace in Bangladesh. Smuggling of drugs, especially phensidyl, into the country from across the border has assumed alarming proportions. According to reports, about two lakh bottles of phensidyl enter the country every day. In Dhaka city alone, there are about one lakh drug addicts a large number of whom use phensidyl. The figure of actual drug users is believed to be even higher. Use of drugs in the country has been increasing since the 1980s. After the BDR mutiny that seriously weakened guards at the border smuggling reportedly increased further. While at least 200 organised syndicates are engaged in drug trafficking across the country, some 34 of them have spread their nets in the city alone.

The surge of drug abuse poses a serious threat to the economy and society. Thousands of crores of Taka and huge quantities of valuable commodities are smuggled out to pay for the drugs every year. This exerts a strong pressure on the national economy. Members of the young generation are the main users of drugs. According to experts, use of drugs damages mental faculty of the users. This leads a huge workforce astray. Drug abuse increases crimes in the society.

Strong political commitment backed by administrative steps is a must in the fight against the menace. Strict guard against entry of drugs at the border is the most effective weapon against the spread of drugs. The vested groups involved in drug trafficking and their patrons should be punished. Efforts of the whole society should be mobilised in the fight against drug addiction. Mass awareness about the danger of drug addiction is crucial.