Sinthya Azad Seme

The prevalence of drug addiction is exceptionally high in Bangladesh. It is becoming fatally difficult for almost 160 million individuals to control the rising epidemic of drug addiction. Drug addictions remain a hazard even with the many laws in place to address the issues of the nation's general growth, public health system, and social cohesion.An estimated 2.5 million people in Bangladesh suffer from drug addiction, with young adults and adolescents between the ages of 15 and 30 accounting for up to 80% of cases. This rising incidence not only presents a public health concern but also a socioeconomic issue that requires immediate and continuous attention.
The Narcotic Control Act, 1990, is the anti-addiction law in force in Bangladesh. It has undergone several revisions throughout the years to reflect the current status of drug misuse.This act, which regulates both psychotropic and narcotic drugs and offers measures for the treatment and rehabilitation of those afflicted by addiction, is the main piece of law controlling drug use in the nation.
The legislation recognizes drug addiction as a curable problem rather than a complete criminal offense, which is a significant move toward reorienting attention toward recovery strategies.
Additionally, in an effort to strengthen the drug prevention program, the DMC has made steps to work with community-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs). By fostering a supportive atmosphere, this community-driven strategy aims to reintegrate those impacted by drug addiction into society.
Nevertheless, in spite of these legal initiatives, the nation's rehabilitation system still confronts formidable obstacles. Inadequate facilities, a lack of money, and a shortage of skilled staff all contribute to the rehabilitation infrastructure's continued ineffectiveness. The Private Treatment and Rehabilitation Center Rules, 2005 attempt to control private rehabilitation institutions, however it is unlikely that they will be enforced.
Drug addiction in Bangladesh effects far beyond the individual significantly impacting families andcommunities. Families in which an addict belongs to can experience save your emotional and financialstrain, which often leads to domestic violence breakdowns in communication and in some places familydisintegration.
Bangladesh is an important transit site for international drug smugglers who subsequently move their goods to larger markets on other continents because of its geographic location, regional connectivity, and shared borders with its surrounding countries. The easy availability to drugs and the increasing prevalence of societal and personal issues including incompatibility, mental health issues, and family problems are making Bangladesh's addiction situation worse every day.
This year's Annual Drug Report highlights how serious the problem is. In response, and in an effort to lessen drug addiction and trafficking, the government of Bangladesh has implemented a Zero Tolerance policy under the Narcotic Control Act, 2018 (Amended 2020). The Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) has started a nationwide campaign to implement the Comprehensive Action Plan (CAP), which brings together partners from grassroots organizations to high level government officials to combat drug misuse and trafficking.
Bangladesh's public health system is severely impacted by the drug addiction problem. The nation's meager health resources are being depleted by the rising prevalence of drug-related illnesses including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and mental health issues, which places tremendous strain on healthcare institutions. The infrastructure in many public hospitals is inadequate to treat drug users appropriately, and private treatment facilities are sometimes too costly for the bulk of the population.
The government is no longer able to address the issue with preventive measures. Our laws are insufficient to solve the issue from its core. It is unquestionably necessary to address problems by organizing workshops, seminars, and legal education sessions.
Bangladesh has created important drug-abuse regulations and procedures.However, the government does not have a comprehensive plan that addresses international collaboration, treatment, and prevention in all of its forms.
In Bangladesh, combating drug addiction necessitates a multifaceted strategy that takes into account the underlying reasons of addiction rather than only passing laws. The reasons for the drug use of many young people: social, psychological, and financial difficulties. A number of causes, including a lack of educational options, unemployment, familial problems, and mental health concerns, are contributing to the surge in teenage addiction.
To properly tackle this epidemic, Bangladesh must prioritize prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation at the same time. Public awareness initiatives that teach youth about the risks associated with drug use are crucial. Youth who are susceptible to this problem should get knowledge and help primarily from schools and community organizations. Resources for mental health should also be increased in order to address the psychological factors that frequently contribute to drug misuse.
Looking for ways to actively involve communities is crucial when developing a plan to combat addiction. People including local authorities, religious leaders, and community groups may play a crucial role in educating communities about the risks associated with drug usage and in offering assistance. Peer groups, family interventions, and therapy are a few programs that can assist encapsulated individuals in starting again and avoiding extremes.
Bangladesh must work with its neighboring countries to curb smuggling as it is one of the factors that provides security. To combat drug circulation and keep the nation from serving as a conduit for drug smuggling, cooperation with the international community is essential.The political awareness of Bangladesh directed towards addressing this dilemma will dictate its destiny in the long run.
In general, the public's access to pertinent and helpful information, the development of community care and support structures, and the improvement of rehabilitation services provided are all interconnected actions that are essential to tackling Bangladesh's drug problem. When these factors are taken into account and a multifaceted approach is used instead of leading to escalating reactionary responses, Bangladesh would be able to address drug-related issues quickly and efficiently while also making addiction an exception in the society.

The writer is a Law Student University of Asia Pacific