Investigative Desk:
A silent epidemic is gripping the heartland of Bangladesh, where the picturesque rural landscape masks a grim reality: a growing drug crisis that is devastating the youth, eroding social values, and plunging communities into despair.
Cannabis and methamphetamine, particularly the potent Yaba tablets, have infiltrated these once-tranquil villages, ensnaring adolescents as young as 13 in a relentless cycle of addiction. The most vulnerable age group, between 13 and 22 years, is experiencing alarming rates of substance abuse.
The drug trade has flourished unchecked, with open drug dens operating in villages such as Rajapur, Dokhaiya, and Hatirpara. Local residents describe a system riddled with corruption, where law enforcement efforts are frequently undermined by alleged collusion between drug traffickers and certain officials.
“Our children are falling prey to these substances before our very eyes,” lamented a distraught parent in Rajapur. “The fear and desperation are overwhelming. We feel abandoned by the authorities.”
The social impact of this crisis is devastating. Crime rates have soared, with incidents of theft, extortion, and violence becoming increasingly common. Education has suffered a significant blow, with school dropout rates rising by 10% in the past year.
“The moral fabric of our society is being torn apart,” said a schoolteacher in Monohorganj. “Students are turning to crime, their futures destroyed by addiction.”
Faiz Tayeb Ahmed, now the special assistant with the status of state minister for the posts, telecommunications and information ministry and a native of Monohorganj, emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach. “We must not only target traffickers but also dismantle the corrupt networks that enable them. Rehabilitation and education are critical for saving the next generation.”
Allegations of corruption within the administrative system persist. Local activists claim that the drug trade thrives due to a nexus between traffickers and certain officials, making law enforcement efforts largely ineffective.
“We are not just fighting drugs; we are battling a system that protects the drug lords,” asserted a local activist. “Raids are selective, and the powerful remain untouchable.”
While the authorities claim progress, with recent seizures of 50 kilograms of cannabis and 2,000 Yaba tablets, local communities remain sceptical.
“They arrest small-time dealers while the kingpins operate with impunity,” alleged a villager, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “The system is rigged against us.”
The Monohorganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “This is a national crisis. We are working tirelessly, but addressing the root causes – poverty, unemployment, and a lack of awareness – is crucial.”
The Officer-in-Charge of Monohorganj Thana, while recognising the challenges, highlighted recent successes: “We have arrested 40 traffickers and dismantled 25 drug dens in recent months. However, this is a multifaceted issue that requires a coordinated effort from all stakeholders.”
Beyond the statistics lies the human cost. Families are being torn apart, aspirations are being crushed, and communities are bearing the scars of addiction.
The drug epidemic in Lakhsam and Monohorganj serves as a stark warning – a sobering reflection of a nation grappling with a hidden crisis. Addressing this challenge requires a concerted effort from the government, civil society, and the communities themselves. The future of these villages, and perhaps the nation, depends on the success of this fight.
Lutful Hasan Rumi from Lakhsam-Monohorganj
