Nearly 82 lakh people use drugs across Bangladesh: study
Data was collected from 5,280 people across 13 districts and 26 upazilas in all eight divisions of the country, using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
A Bangladesh Medical University study has estimated that about 82 lakh people use narcotics in Bangladesh, with most users being young and many starting between the ages of 8 and 17.
Cannabis has been identified as the most commonly used drug, a finding shared today (25 January) at a programme titled "Dissemination Meeting of Estimation of the Number and Category of Persons Abusing Drugs and Associated Factors" at the conference hall of the Super Specialized Hospital at Shahbagh, Dhaka.
The study was implemented by the Department of Virology of Bangladesh Medical University and funded by the Department of Narcotics Control.
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Data was collected from 5,280 people across 13 districts and 26 upazilas in all eight divisions of the country, using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
Cannabis most used drug
The lead researcher, Prof Dr Saif Ullah Munshi, dean of Bangladesh Medical University, said cannabis is the most used drug in the country, followed by yaba, heroin, phensedyl and codeine-based cough syrup.
He said the number of people using drugs through injections is increasing at an alarming rate, which poses a major public health risk.
Saif said no drugs are produced in Bangladesh, but the country is used as a transit route to other countries, adding that during this process, young people become exposed to drugs, including yaba.
He stated that there was no national-level data before this study.
Call to treat as a public health issue
Researchers said unemployment, peer influence, financial insecurity, family instability, mental stress and involvement in informal work are major risk factors for drug use.
Nearly 90% of users said drugs are easily available, according to the study.
Prof Dr Monira Jahan, chairperson of the Department of Virology at Bangladesh Medical University, said the findings show drug abuse is not only a law and order issue, but also a complex public health, social and economic problem.
She called for a comprehensive public health approach that includes prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, mental health care, employment and social reintegration.
Higher in cities, rising in villages
The study found that drug use is higher in urban areas, but is also rising quickly in rural regions. The highest number of users is in Dhaka Division, while the lowest is in Barishal Division.
Border districts and areas around major cities were identified as high-risk zones for drug use and supply.
Starts in childhood
More than 60% of users said they first used drugs before the age of 18. The main reasons were peer pressure, curiosity, family conflict and mental stress.
Gaps in treatment and rehabilitation
The study also found that many drug users never receive treatment or rehabilitation. Those who do often fail to get proper and continuous services, which increases the risk of relapse.
