Bangladesh, Pakistan sign MoU to curb drug trafficking

Bangladesh and Pakistan have joined forces to prevent the abuse and trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic substances. An MoU was signed between the two countries at a ceremony at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka on Friday, May 8.

Under this MoU, both countries will exchange information and provide necessary technical assistance to each other to prevent drug trafficking and related money laundering. In addition, the two countries will regularly exchange intelligence on suspected individuals involved in drug-related crimes, trafficking organisations, and new methods and routes of trafficking.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed signed on behalf of Bangladesh, while Pakistan's Home Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi signed for his country.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Home Affairs, this agreement will remain in effect for 10 years from the date of signing, and its term can be extended later by mutual consent.

Earlier, Pakistan had proposed a draft agreement to prevent terrorism, drug trafficking, smuggling and document forgery, which the interim government discussed and decided upon in an inter-ministerial meeting. The press release said the current government reviewed the draft in light of that decision, and based on that, this MoU was signed between the two countries to prevent drug trafficking.

Key provisions of the MoU
Regarding information exchange, both countries will regularly exchange information on drug traffickers, criminal organisations, and new methods of concealing drugs. Regarding joint operations, intelligence agencies of both countries will conduct intelligence operations upon mutual request and carry out coordinated operations such as controlled delivery operations to prevent drug trafficking. Regarding training and skill development, there will be exchange of training, retraining and scientific research results for drug control officials. Regarding technical assistance, there will be exchange of experience in using technical equipment and sniffer dogs to detect concealed drugs. The Department of Narcotics Control on the Bangladesh side and the ANF on the Pakistan side will serve as focal points for regular and operational information exchange. Strict confidentiality will be maintained regarding all exchanged information and documents, which will not be disclosed to any third party.

Bilateral meeting between home ministers
In addition to the MoU signing, the two home ministers also held a meeting, where detailed discussions took place in an extremely cordial atmosphere on various issues of mutual interest, particularly regional security and enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies.

The ministry said the meeting also discussed the current status of the documents sent for the opinion of the law ministry regarding the release of three Pakistani prisoners in Bangladesh.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed called for increased international support for the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas and said Pakistan could play a role in increasing constructive international engagement with Myanmar on this issue.

The press release said both ministers emphasised their shared interests in addressing regional security challenges and agreed to increase coordination between law enforcement agencies and judicial cooperation.

Emphasis was placed on sharing intelligence and joint efforts to dismantle trafficking networks to prevent human trafficking and illegal smuggling of migrants. Discussions also focused on protecting trafficking victims and raising awareness programmes.

The meeting highlighted the importance of the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters agreement to facilitate the swift exchange of information and evidence in criminal investigations, expressing hope that this would further strengthen cross-border crime suppression and cooperation between law enforcement agencies. Additionally, discussions were held on effective extradition arrangements in various areas, including terrorism and financial crimes, to prevent criminals from evading justice by fleeing from one country to another.

Both sides expressed hope that these cooperation measures would help ensure the security of citizens in both countries.