Updated list of Cox's Bazar's drug kingpins being prepared: Home Minister

The government is preparing an updated list of the top drug traffickers operating in Cox's Bazar as part of a renewed crackdown on narcotics and organised crime, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Thursday (August 6).

Speaking at a meeting on drug prevention and law and order in the district, the minister said the government was pursuing a zero-tolerance policy not only against drug trafficking but also against gambling, terrorism and extortion.

He said legal action would be taken against those involved in such crimes regardless of their political affiliation or influence.

Describing Cox's Bazar as one of Bangladesh's most vulnerable districts for drug smuggling, the minister said traffickers have long used the Ukhiya and Teknaf border areas as key routes. To tackle the problem, authorities are compiling a fresh list of the district's top drug kingpins, after which coordinated operations will be launched by law enforcement agencies.

"The government remains uncompromising in its fight against drugs. Gambling, terrorism and extortion will also not be tolerated, and those involved will face strict legal action," he said.

The minister also announced a plan to bring fishermen in Ukhiya and Teknaf under a formal registration system to strengthen maritime security. He said the initiative would help verify the identities of genuine fishermen, detect illegal infiltration and improve coastal surveillance.

He instructed law enforcement agencies to intensify intelligence-based operations and work in close coordination to prevent the smuggling of drugs, weapons and other illegal goods through border areas, stressing that there would be no room for complacency in combating crime.

The meeting also reviewed the overall law and order situation in Cox's Bazar, ongoing anti-drug operations, border security measures and efforts to curb extortion and terrorism. It was attended by local lawmakers, senior civil administration officials and representatives from the police, BGB, RAB, Coast Guard, the Department of Narcotics Control and the Bangladesh Navy.