Govt to launch nationwide crackdown on drugs, gambling after 30 April: Home minister
The home minister said the government remains committed to its electoral pledge of taking a firm stance against drugs and gambling.
The government will launch a nationwide coordinated crackdown on drugs, gambling and online betting after 30 April, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said today (27 April), stressing that a "zero tolerance" policy will be enforced to curb such activities.
He made the remarks in parliament while responding to a notice on a matter of urgent public importance raised by Noakhali-2 lawmaker Zainul Abedin Farroque.
The minister said the drive will begin immediately after the current session of parliament ends on 30 April, with law enforcement agencies conducting a strict, coordinated operation across the country to dismantle networks linked to drugs and gambling.
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Raising the issue, Farroque alleged that illegal "shisha lounges" are operating in residential buildings, restaurants and cafes in upscale areas of the capital.
He also claimed that some dishonest government officials are involved in facilitating these operations.
"When one location is raided, they relocate and resume the same business elsewhere. This must be stopped to protect the youth," he said.
In response, the home minister said the government remains committed to its electoral pledge of taking a firm stance against drugs and gambling.
"To save the youth from destruction, the government has adopted a zero tolerance policy," he said, adding that no leniency will be shown in the upcoming drive.
He also criticised the previous Awami League administration, alleging that between 2009 and 2024, illegal shisha bars and drug hubs flourished in areas such as Gulshan, Banani, Dhanmondi and Uttara under the patronage of influential political figures and some administrative officials.
The minister said regular drives are now being carried out by the Department of Narcotics Control and police in these areas, with significant quantities of shisha equipment seized during raids conducted on 16 and 20 April in Gulshan and other parts of the capital.
He added that intelligence surveillance has been strengthened to prevent operators from evading law enforcement by changing locations or exploiting administrative loopholes.
Warning of strict action, the minister said any police personnel found involved in supporting such illegal activities will face immediate disciplinary measures.
He further noted that ongoing operations in different parts of Dhaka have already led to arrests, while efforts are underway through the Dhaka North City Corporation to identify and shut down establishments operating without trade licences.
The home minister assured parliament that all law enforcement agencies at the district and upazila levels will take part in the special drive set to begin after 30 April.
