Crackdown on drugs, online gambling after Apr 30: Salahuddin

Published : Monday, 27 April, 2026 at 7:17 PM Count : 9

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday told Parliament that a nationwide coordinated drive against illegal drugs, shisha lounges and online gambling will begin after April 30, warning that there is “no alternative” to such action to protect the youth from addiction and social decay.

“The government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy on narcotics and cyber-based gambling platforms” the minister said, describing them as major threats to public health, morality, and social stability.

He came up with disclosure in his statement delivered in the House, responding to a notice on matters of public importance placed by ruling party lawmaker Zainul Abdin Farroque (Noakhali-2) under Rule-71 of the Rules of Procedure.

In the notice, Farroque drew the attention of the Home Minister to shut down illegal shisha lounges run in the guise of residential buildings, restaurants or cafes in the city’s posh areas.

In response, Salahuddin Ahmed said the youth are being increasingly targeted by drugs and online gambling networks.

“To protect them, a coordinated nationwide drive involving all relevant agencies will begin after April 30 immediately after the end of the current parliament session. There is no alternative to it (this initiative),” he said.

The Home Minister said illegal shisha lounges operating under the disguise of restaurants, cafés, and residential facilities in different parts of the capital have already been brought under intensified surveillance.

He said law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Narcotics Control, have been conducting regular raids and mobile court operations. “The Department of Narcotics Control, along with other law enforcement agencies, is carrying out continuous drives. We are also strengthening intelligence monitoring so that these establishments cannot re-emerge under new names or locations,” he added.

Salahuddin Ahmed further informed the House that under the Narcotics Control Act, 2018 (amended in 2020), shisha containing harmful substances is classified as a controlled narcotic item, making its unauthorised use and trade illegal.

He said several recent operations in areas such as Gulshan, Banani, Dhanmondi and Uttara have resulted in the seizure of illegal shisha equipment and materials.

The Home Minister said city corporations and local authorities are also working in coordination with law enforcement agencies to identify and shut down such illegal businesses. “No trade licence is issued for shisha lounges. Any such activity is completely illegal and will be dealt with strictly,” he said.

He said the government is committed to sustained action rather than sporadic raids. “We will not rest taking temporary measures, rather a well-coordinated nationwide campaign will be launched after April 30, involving all agencies,” he said.

Salahuddin Ahmed said the upcoming drive will focus not only on drugs and shisha but also on online gambling platforms, which have rapidly expanded in recent years and are increasingly affecting the young generation.

“The government is fully aware of the evolving nature of these threats. Our objective is to protect the youth from all forms of addiction – whether physical or digital,” he added.

The Home Minister also said any person or institution found facilitating such illegal activities will face strict legal consequences following proper investigation.

He concluded by reaffirming the government’s stance. “Protecting the youth is our highest priority. There is no alternative to a united, coordinated national effort against drugs and online gambling.”

While raising the notice, BNP MP Zainul Abdin Farroque sought attention of the government over the persistence of illegal shisha lounges calling for stronger accountability and transparency in anti-drug operations.

“Despite repeated drives, illegal shisha bars continue to operate in different parts of the capital…the government must ensure that enforcement is not limited to temporary raids,” he said.

Farroque said if the government is truly serious about protecting the youth, it must show measurable results. “The people want to know how many offenders have been arrested and how many establishments have been permanently shut.”

FP/MI