HC orders action against unauthorised shisha lounges in Gulshan and Banani

The High Court has directed the authorities concerned to take steps to shut down unauthorised shisha bars and lounges operating in the upscale areas of Gulshan and Banani in Dhaka city.

The bench of Justice Razik-Al-Jalil and Justice Anowarul Islam issued the order today (3 March).

The court asked the home secretary, inspector general of police (IGP), director general of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner and other relevant officials to implement the directive.

Advocate SM Zulfikar Ali Juno argued the writ petition before the court.

Earlier, on 18 January, a writ petition was filed seeking directives to shut down unauthorised shisha bars and lounges in Gulshan and Banani. The petition was filed by Advocate SM Zulfikar Ali Juno, chairman of the National Lawyers' Council. The home secretary, IGP, RAB chief and DMP commissioner, among others, were made respondents in the petition.

On 8 January, a legal notice was also served on the government seeking immediate action to close unauthorised shisha bars in the capital's upscale neighbourhoods. Relevant media reports were attached to the notice.

According to the reports, secret late-night gatherings take place in areas such as Gulshan, Banani, Dhanmondi and Uttara. Although these establishments appear to be cafés or lounges from the outside, they operate as shisha bars inside. Various narcotics are allegedly used alongside tobacco-based shisha, and in some places, immoral activities are said to take place.

Sources concerned said shisha or hookah is not legally permitted in the country, and neither the Ministry of Health nor the Department of Narcotics Control grants approval for such operations.

However, more than 100 shisha bars are reportedly operating in the capital, with at least 50 becoming popular hangouts for young people. These venues reportedly operate from evening until late at night, with loud music and the smell of alcohol filling the air.

Reports further alleged that substances such as yaba, cannabis, phensedyl and liquid cocaine are sometimes mixed with shisha. In addition to drug use, some lounges are said to have separate soundproof cabins accessible only to specific customers. These cabins are reportedly rented on an hourly basis and supplied with shisha, alcohol and other narcotics, alongside alleged immoral activities.

Despite the absence of any legal provision permitting the operation of shisha bars in Bangladesh, the culture has reportedly expanded due to weak enforcement.