The easy availability of drugs has led to a sharp rise in the number of addicts, particularly among youths and the unemployed, as well as drug dealers in Bishwanath upazila of Sylhet, which is predominantly inhabited by expatriate families.
Drug peddling, involving substances such as Yaba, phensidyl, heroin, and others, occurs rampantly after dusk in designated spots throughout the upazila.
It appears that there is little effective control over these activities, said locals.
Drug use and sales are not confined to private spaces, as individuals openly or covertly engage in these activities.
Alarmingly, the problem has extended beyond young people to include teenagers and even older adults.
Parents of drug-addicted teenagers and young adults are struggling to cope with the devastating impact.
The growing prevalence of drug abuse among the youth has become a big concern in the area and Bishwanath upazila seems to have turned into a sanctuary for drug dealers, leaving many residents too afraid to voice their concerns.
Locals said drug dealers employ techniques to lure new users and expand their networks. Often, they offer free drugs to unemployed youths enticing them into addiction.
These recruits are then persuaded to bring in more users, creating a vicious cycle.
Once addicted, many young individuals are coerced into working as agents, transporting drugs in exchange for money and free supplies.
This deepens their addiction, and some eventually resort to petty theft to fund their habits, exacerbating crime rates in the region.
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Drugs are reportedly available different areas including New Habra Market, Old Habra Market, Bairagi Bazar, Rampasha Bazar, Aguganj Bazar, and Kaliganj Bazar.
Known drug hotspots, such as Old Habra Market, are frequented by both locals and outsiders, with motorcycles often seen transporting unknown people involved in drug-related activities.
Notorious drug dealers, including Asman Ali, Suhel, and Kamal in Old Habra Market, and others like Islam Ali and Dilwar in Bairagi Bazar, have been identified.
Despite occasional arrests, many return to the drug peddling after serving time in jail.
Besides, Lamakaji area has become a key route for smuggling drugs into the region, with consignments often transported across the Surma River by boat in the early hours before being distributed by autorickshaws.
Bairagi Bazar Traders’ Association President Monu Mia and former ward No- 4 Councillor Muhibur Rahman Bacchu, have expressed grave concern about the growing drug problem.
They fear the social fabric of Bishwanath may collapse without immediate intervention from both the community and authorities.
Abdul Rob, Officer-in-Charge of (investigations) of Bishwanath police station, emphasized the police’s "zero-tolerance" policy toward drugs.
“We are conducting weekly arrests of drug dealers and planning more extensive operations to tackle the issue,” he said.
Read more: Huge haul of drugs busted at Chapainawabganj border: BGB
Residents urged an increased collaboration between local communities and law enforcement to curb the spread of drugs.
They stress the need for proactive measures to safeguard the youth and preserve societal stability in Bishwanath.