Dhaka: The government has taken a series of measures over the past year to curb drug trafficking and modernize key law enforcement and administrative departments, following the ouster of the fascist Awami League government on August 5, 2024.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the operational capacity of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) has been significantly enhanced as part of the government’s anti-drug strategy. The Home Ministry has granted permission to 579 DNC officials, ranging from deputy directors to sub-inspectors, to carry 9mm semi-automatic pistols under the “Department of Narcotics Control (Officers-Employees) Weapon Procurement and Usage Policy 2024.”
Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has directed law enforcement to focus on capturing drug traffickers’ ringleaders over low-level carriers, emphasizing a “Zero Tolerance Policy” against drugs. The rate of drug-related crimes has reportedly dropped due to these actions.
To bolster investigations, the government has provided special training to DNC officials on money laundering and initiated the formation of a money laundering unit to target drug kingpins and financiers legally. Preparations are underway to establish a cybercrime unit to combat drug trafficking and sales through the dark web and cryptocurrency networks.
Additional measures include the procurement of portable drug detection equipment, X-ray scanners, and the deployment of trained sniffer dogs at airports. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is being finalized between the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) and authorities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram, and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet to enhance surveillance on drug smuggling via air routes.
Plans are in place to establish a DNC prosecution office in every district court, including CMM Courts, and to appoint special public prosecutors under Section 492(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, or grant similar authority to DNC prosecutors for speedy trial of drug-related cases. A dedicated hotline will also be launched to receive complaints, suggestions, and opinions related to narcotics control services. Awareness efforts are being intensified through the installation of anti-drug billboards in educational institutions.
In addition to enhancing the DNC, the government has initiated reforms to modernize the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD), the Department of Prisons, and the Directorate of Immigration and Passports. A proposal has been submitted to upgrade the salary structure of 2,788 FSCD posts. Another proposal seeks to create 69 temporary posts of Assistant Director and 69 driver positions in the revenue department, while abolishing an equal number of Deputy Assistant Director posts. A revised risk allowance notification for FSCD officers and employees is under review.
Construction of 20 fire stations and two multi-storey residential buildings for FSCD staff is ongoing, with a separate project for 16 additional stations in key upazilas across the north and south regions. The Department of Prisons is implementing initiatives such as establishing a ‘Correctional Industrial Park’ and forming its own engineering unit. Ambulances have been allocated to prisons for timely medical care, with steps underway to recruit more personnel and upgrade six district prisons to central prisons.
To modernize the Directorate of Immigration and Passports, the government is formulating the Employment Rules-2024 and easing police verification requirements to improve service delivery.