Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has announced that the government will launch a nationwide special drive against drugs, gambling and online betting after the current Jatiya Sangsad session ends on 30 April.
Speaking in Parliament on Monday, he said the operation will be carried out under a “zero tolerance” policy aimed at protecting young people from the growing impact of narcotics and illegal gambling activities.
The minister made the announcement while responding to a matter of urgent public importance raised during the sitting chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.
Lawmaker Zainul Abedin Faruk had drawn attention to the rise of illegal shisha lounges operating under the cover of restaurants and residential buildings in parts of Dhaka.
In response, the home minister said the government has already intensified enforcement actions and will further expand coordinated operations involving all law enforcement agencies once the parliamentary session concludes.
He said there would be no compromise on issues related to drugs and gambling, adding that strict action is necessary to safeguard the country’s youth.
The minister also alleged that illegal shisha outlets and drug-linked establishments expanded in several upscale areas, including Gulshan, Banani, Dhanmondi and Uttara over the past years under influence from certain vested groups.
He informed the House that the Department of Narcotics Control and police have already been conducting regular raids, with recent operations on 16 and 20 April in Gulshan leading to the seizure of shisha-related equipment.
To prevent offenders from relocating or continuing illegal activities covertly, intelligence monitoring has been strengthened, he added.
The minister warned that any law enforcement personnel found assisting such illegal operations would face strict disciplinary measures.
He further said coordinated drives are ongoing in Dhaka and other areas, while local authorities are working to shut down unlicensed establishments.
According to him, all district and upazila-level law enforcement units will be mobilised for the upcoming nationwide crackdown starting after 30 April.
