By Motaher Hossain
The future of a nation largely depends on its younger generation. Education, creativity, productivity and moral strength among young people are essential to building a strong and prosperous country. Yet Bangladesh’s youth are increasingly falling victim to drug abuse. Silently and gradually, drugs are affecting millions, disrupting families, weakening communities and threatening the country’s social and economic future.
Drug abuse is no longer merely an individual or family problem. It has become a serious national concern that requires coordinated action from families, educational institutions, communities, law enforcement agencies and the government.

A recent joint study by Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) and Research and Management Consultants Limited (RMCL), conducted under the supervision of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), has revealed an alarming picture of drug use in Bangladesh. According to the study, an estimated 8.195 million people use some form of illicit drug in the country, equivalent to around 4.88 percent of the population. Cigarette smoking was not included in the study.

The research was conducted between February and June 2025 across all eight divisions, 13 districts and 26 upazilas. It found significant regional differences in drug use. Mymensingh recorded the highest prevalence at 6.02 percent, followed by Rangpur at 6 percent and Chattogram at 5.50 percent. The rate was 4.08 percent in Khulna and 2.72 percent in Rajshahi.

In absolute numbers, Dhaka has the largest number of drug users, estimated at around 2.29 million. Chattogram has approximately 1.879 million, while Rangpur has nearly 1.08 million.

One of the study’s most disturbing findings is the increasingly young age at which people begin using drugs. Nearly 33 percent of users started between the ages of 8 and 17, while 59 percent began between 18 and 25. This means a large section of Bangladesh’s children, adolescents and young adults are exposed to the risk of addiction.

Peer pressure, unemployment, family instability, psychological stress, financial uncertainty and frustration are among the major factors driving drug use. In many cases, young people initially experiment with drugs out of curiosity or under pressure from friends. Over time, experimentation can develop into regular use and eventually addiction.

The easy availability of drugs has made the situation even more alarming. Nearly 90 percent of surveyed users said they could obtain drugs easily. Such a finding raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of existing measures to prevent drug trafficking and access.

Cannabis is reportedly the most widely used illicit drug in Bangladesh, with around 6.08 million users. It is followed by yaba, or methamphetamine, with approximately 2.3 million users. Alcohol, codeine-based cough syrup, sleeping pills and heroin are also being used. Around 39,000 people reportedly inject drugs, placing them at increased risk of HIV, hepatitis and other infectious diseases.

The economic cost of drug addiction is also significant. According to the study, an average drug user spends around Tk 6,000 a month on drugs. This means enormous amounts of money are being diverted from productive household and economic activities into the illegal drug market. Addiction also reduces productivity, disrupts education and increases absenteeism from workplaces.

In some cases, users become involved in theft, robbery, fraud and other crimes to finance their addiction. Consequently, the impact of drugs extends far beyond the individual, creating financial pressure and social instability within families and communities.

The health consequences are equally serious. Doctors and health experts warn that prolonged drug use can damage memory and concentration and affect the brain, heart, respiratory system and other vital organs. Drug dependence can also worsen mental health and may contribute to depression, psychological instability and suicidal tendencies in severe cases.

Another major challenge is the limited availability of treatment and rehabilitation. The study found that only 13 percent of drug users had ever received treatment or rehabilitation, even though more than half had attempted to quit.

Among those who received treatment, many reported inadequate counselling, rehabilitation and social support. About 69 percent identified treatment and rehabilitation as a major need, while 62 percent highlighted counselling and 41 percent pointed to employment support. Meanwhile, 68 percent said they had faced stigma and discrimination because of their drug use.

Experts therefore argue that people suffering from drug dependence should be treated as patients in need of medical care and rehabilitation rather than being viewed solely as criminals. Law enforcement is necessary, but punishment alone cannot reduce demand for drugs. Treatment, counselling, rehabilitation and social reintegration must be part of a comprehensive national strategy.

The government has approved a project to establish 200-bed rehabilitation centres in seven divisions outside Dhaka, which could help expand treatment opportunities. However, these centres will require trained professionals, adequate counselling facilities and long-term rehabilitation programmes.

Bangladesh is not a major producer of illicit drugs, but its geographical position makes it vulnerable to trafficking. Its borders with India and Myanmar, extensive waterways and proximity to regional trafficking routes have made the country an important transit point for smugglers. Stronger surveillance along borders, waterways, ports and other entry points is therefore essential.

At the same time, simply increasing raids and punishment will not solve the problem. Supply reduction must be accompanied by demand reduction. Educational institutions should conduct regular awareness programmes and provide counselling and mental health support. Young people should also have greater access to sports, cultural activities and other constructive opportunities.

Families have an equally important role. Parents should maintain open and friendly relationships with their children so that young people can discuss their problems and pressures without fear. Early identification and intervention can prevent experimentation from developing into addiction.

The government, law enforcement agencies, schools and universities, families, healthcare professionals, religious leaders, elected representatives and civil society organisations must work together. Creating employment opportunities for unemployed youth and providing psychological support to those struggling with frustration and hopelessness are also crucial.

Drug addiction is no longer simply a law-and-order problem. It is a multidimensional public health, social and economic crisis. Bangladesh must therefore move beyond an enforcement-only approach and adopt an integrated strategy based on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration.

A nation cannot secure its future while its young generation is being gradually damaged by addiction. Protecting young people from drugs requires sustained action from families, communities and the state. Without such collective efforts, the silent grip of drugs could put another generation’s future at serious risk.

Motaher Hossain:Editor, Climate Journal24.com and sSecretary General, Bangladesh Climate Change Journalists Forum