Government initiatives over the past year have curbed drug trafficking and modernized key agencies

Over the past year, the government has undertaken a wide range of initiatives to curb drug trafficking and modernize key law enforcement and administrative agencies, following the ouster of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024.

As part of its anti-drug drive, the operational capacity of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) has been significantly strengthened. Under the “Department of Narcotics Control (Officers-Employees) Weapon Procurement and Usage Policy 2024,” the Home Ministry has authorized 579 DNC officials—from deputy directors to sub-inspectors—to carry 9mm semi-automatic pistols.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has directed law enforcement to target the ringleaders of drug trafficking networks rather than low-level couriers, reiterating the government’s “Zero Tolerance Policy” on drugs. He noted that coordinated actions have already led to a notable drop in drug-related crimes.

To bolster investigations, DNC officials have received specialized training on money laundering, and a dedicated money laundering unit is being set up to prosecute drug kingpins and financiers. Plans are also underway to establish a cybercrime unit to combat narcotics trafficking through the dark web and cryptocurrency channels.

The government is procuring portable drug detection devices, X-ray scanners, and deploying trained sniffer dogs at airports. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is being finalized between the Armed Police Battalion and airport authorities in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet to enhance air-route surveillance.

Additional reforms include setting up DNC prosecution offices in all district and CMM courts, appointing special public prosecutors under Section 492(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, or granting equivalent authority to DNC prosecutors to ensure swift trials. A national hotline will be launched for public complaints, feedback, and suggestions on narcotics control, while anti-drug awareness campaigns—such as billboards in educational institutions—are being expanded.

The DNC is also preparing to establish a digital forensic lab to examine electronic devices and open narcotics control offices in every upazila.

Beyond the DNC, the government has initiated modernization efforts for the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD), the Department of Prisons, and the Directorate of Immigration and Passports.

For the FSCD, proposals have been submitted to revise the pay structure for 2,788 posts, create 69 temporary assistant director positions and 69 driver roles (while abolishing an equal number of deputy assistant director posts), and review risk allowance benefits. Construction is underway for 20 fire stations, two multi-storey residential buildings for staff, and 16 more fire stations in key upazilas.

The Department of Prisons is implementing reforms including the creation of a “Correctional Industrial Park,” forming its own engineering unit, allocating ambulances to prisons for timely medical care, recruiting additional personnel, and upgrading six district prisons to central prisons.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Immigration and Passports is working on the Employment Rules-2024 and streamlining police verification requirements to improve service delivery.