Drug abuse is taking epidemic proportions in Bangladesh, prompting the government to adopt a zero-tolerance policy and plan to establish 125 new police stations nationwide to strengthen crime control, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj said on Friday.

“Drug abuse is taking epidemic proportions in our country. Drugs are linked to crime, and those involved in drug trafficking and criminal activities have no political identity,” he said.

The State Minister made these remarks at a shadow parliament debate titled 'Social movement is more effective than political commitment in controlling drugs,' arranged by Debate for Democracy at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) in the capital.

He said the government is alert to prevent anyone from exploiting political identities for undue advantages, and there is no political interference in efforts to control drugs.

Police and SRB patrols are being intensified to tackle drug abuse, juvenile gangs and other crimes, while the government has taken a plan to establish 125 new police stations across the country, he said.

He also said residents of Mohammadpur Bihari camp were living in inhumane conditions and various crimes, including drug-related offences, were taking place there.

The government is taking steps to rehabilitate the camp's residents, he said.

The State Minister stressed that government initiatives to control drugs must be accompanied by social movements to ensure effective prevention.

The debate session was presided over by Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran.