Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday expressed concern over the growing number of patients addicted to Ice (crystal methamphetamine) being admitted to drug rehabilitation centres across Bangladesh.
Speaking in Parliament, the minister said the increase in Ice addiction cases is alarming and highlighted the need for stronger and more coordinated efforts to combat the spread of narcotics in the country.
The Minister said this while responding to a written question of BNP MP M Abul Kalam.
He told House that the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) has formulated a 180-day action plan, a work plan for the 2026–27 fiscal year, and a five-year strategic implementation framework in line with the current government's election manifesto.
The minister also said a proposal to modernise the Narcotics Control Act, 2018 has already been finalised by a committee formed by the DNC.
Describing the strengthening of the DNC as highly relevant in the face of the growing drug menace nationwide, Salahuddin Ahmed said the department has been working relentlessly to curb narcotics trafficking and abuse.
He noted that the DNC is conducting regular patrol operations through temporary checkpoints established in border districts to prevent the smuggling of drugs from neighbouring Myanmar and India.
The minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening anti-narcotics measures and enhancing the operational capacity of the DNC to address emerging drug-related challenges across the country.