Govt to Target Drug Lords, Not Just Carriers: Jahangir

Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury spoke to journalists at the ministry conference room in Dhaka.

Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said the government is prioritising the arrest of drug kingpins to rid the country of narcotics.

“Drug and corruption are the two gravest challenges we face. Apprehending the masterminds behind drug trafficking is more crucial than targeting the carriers,” he told journalists after distributing cheques to private drug rehabilitation centres.

The event was held to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025, to be observed tomorrow.

In response to questions about the involvement of some law enforcement personnel in drug trafficking, the adviser said strict legal action will be taken against anyone found guilty.

He mentioned that a senior official has already been suspended over suspected links with drug networks and will face justice.

Jahangir Alam also announced that the government is building drug rehabilitation centres in seven divisions at a cost of Tk 1,400 crore.

He praised the efforts of private rehab centres in helping addicts return to normal life and urged them to enhance their work.

He noted that contraband items like Phensedyl and Yaba are being smuggled from India and Myanmar.

“We’ve requested both governments to shut down the drug factories. Talks have already been held with the relevant authorities to take action,” he added.