Govt to launch coordinated crackdown on drugs, gambling: Home Minister

Govt to launch coordinated crackdown on drugs, gambling: Home Minister

A coordinated crackdown on drugs, gambling and online gambling will be conducted across the country immediately after the current parliament session ends, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament on Monday, April 27.

The home minister made the announcement while responding to an urgent public importance notice. He also informed that the current parliament session will conclude on April 30.

The notice titled 'Shutting down illegal sheesha lounges' was raised by BNP member Zainul Abdin Faruk, MP for Noakhali-2 constituency. He alleged that illegal sheesha lounges operating under the cover of residential buildings, restaurants, and cafes in upscale areas of the capital cannot be shut down despite repeated drives.

In response, the home minister said the current government has declared zero tolerance against gambling, online gambling, and drugs in line with its electoral pledge to the nation. After the parliament session ends on April 30, a well-coordinated operation will be conducted across the country. He stated there is no alternative to this to protect the country's youth.

Referring to the Awami League government era, the home minister alleged that between 2009 and 2024, under the patronage of influential political figures, businessmen, and certain administration officials, illegal sheesha bars and drug spots had flourished in upscale areas including Gulshan, Banani, Dhanmondi, Mohammadpur, Uttara and Baridhara. Although drives were conducted at various times to shut down these sheesha bars, they were later reopened using influence.

The home minister noted that intelligence surveillance has been strengthened to prevent anyone from changing addresses or evading the administration to continue illegal business in upscale areas. If any individual or institution is found involved, legal action will be taken following a serious investigation. If any police member is found abetting these illegal businesses, strict disciplinary action will be taken immediately.