Dhaka-19 lawmaker Dewan Mohammod Salahuddin on Thursday alleged that drug trafficking has become deeply entrenched across Savar, with entire families, including women, actively involved in the illicit trade.

He alleged that between 200,000 and 300,000 people in the area are directly or indirectly linked to drug abuse and trafficking.

“I have found through investigation that in many places entire families are involved in drug trading – fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, even sons-in-law,” Dewan Salahuddin said, adding that it will not be an exaggeration to say that drug trading is taking place in almost every household in Savar.

Dewan Salahuddin, also BNP’s family welfare affairs assistant secretary, made the remarks while addressing a programme, marking the assumption of office by the newly elected committee of the Savar Deed Writers Welfare Association in front of the Savar Sub-Registrar Office.

Referring to recent anti-drug operations, he said drug trader Shamim Reza had already been arrested and his house demolished.

The MP also noted that the limited number of police personnel stationed at Savar and Ashulia police stations is insufficient to effectively manage law and order across such a large area and population.

Describing the Bede Palli area under Savar municipality as a major drug trafficking hub, he alleged that a significant portion of its residents are involved in the trade.

“We are trying to establish a police camp there soon,” Dewan Salahuddin said, warning that drug traffickers will not be allowed to live in Savar under any circumstances.

The event was presided over by Akhtar Hossain Bepari, president of the newly elected committee of the Deed Writers Welfare Association.