Around 82 Lakh Bangladeshis Use Drugs, Study Reveals Rising Risk

Representational Image. Photo: Collected

A recent study by Bangladesh Medical University estimates that around 82 lakh people in the country use narcotics, with most users being young and many starting between the ages of 8 and 17.

Cannabis was identified as the most commonly used drug, followed by yaba, heroin, phensedyl, and codeine-based cough syrup. The findings were presented on 25 January at a programme titled “Dissemination Meeting of Estimation of the Number and Category of Persons Abusing Drugs and Associated Factors” at the Super Specialized Hospital in Shahbagh, Dhaka.

The study, conducted by the Department of Virology at Bangladesh Medical University and funded by the Department of Narcotics Control, collected data from 5,280 individuals across 13 districts and 26 upazilas in all eight divisions using both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Prof Dr Saif Ullah Munshi, dean of Bangladesh Medical University and lead researcher, warned that drug use via injections is rising rapidly, posing a major public health threat. He added that although no drugs are produced in Bangladesh, the country is a transit route for narcotics, exposing many young people to drugs like yaba.

The study highlighted that unemployment, peer influence, financial insecurity, family instability, mental stress, and informal work are key risk factors for drug use. Nearly 90% of users reported easy access to drugs.

Prof Dr Monira Jahan, chairperson of the Department of Virology, said drug abuse should be treated as a complex public health, social, and economic issue, rather than just a law-and-order problem. She called for a comprehensive public health response including prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, mental health support, employment, and social reintegration.

The research found that drug use is more prevalent in urban areas but is rising quickly in rural regions. Dhaka Division has the highest number of users, while Barishal Division has the lowest. Border districts and areas surrounding major cities were identified as high-risk zones for drug supply and use.

Alarmingly, more than 60% of users began taking drugs before the age of 18, citing peer pressure, curiosity, family conflict, and mental stress as key reasons. The study also revealed significant gaps in treatment and rehabilitation, with many users never receiving proper care and those who do often lacking continuous support, increasing the risk of relapse.