‘Shooting dealers can resolve Bangladesh’s drug crisis’

By Mutasim Billah

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) -- A Bangladeshi minister said Tuesday that drug dealers and suppliers should be shot on sight to tackle the country’s growing problem with addiction.

“Drug addiction is the number one issue in Bangladesh. Addiction could not be eradicated in the past, and it is impossible to do so in the future. 'Shooting on sight' is the only solution,” said Minister for Primary and Mass Education Mostafizur Rahman of the ruling Awami League party.

Jamal Uddin, director general of the Department of Narcotics Control, said efforts are underway to enforce the death penalty for selling stimulants locally known as Yaba tablets.

Apart from this, the popular Shisha, where flavored tobacco passes through a water basin, will be included as a drug, he said.

Arup Ratan Chaudhury, head of the Association of Prohibiting Drug Abuse (MANAS), told Anadolu Agency there are more than 3 million drug dealers across the country while the drug business is worth $7,254,000 per month in the capital Dhaka alone.

According to MANAS, more than 7 million people in Bangladesh are addicted to drugs.

Around 77 percent of drug abusers are young people aged 16-35, according to a Department of Narcotics Control report.