With the change in the political landscape, the faces of extortionists have changed—but extortion itself has not. New players have emerged, and the methods have evolved. The same is true for the drug trade.
Over the past year, there is no information suggesting that any drug dealer has left the trade. In fact, the sector has seen a merger of old and new players. Yet, the public expectation was to be freed from these two plagues—extortion and drugs—that have infested society like cancer.
Signs of such hope did appear briefly after the joint operations by the military and other forces following 5 August 2024. Long-entrenched extortionists either went into hiding or paused their operations.
Drug dealers did the same. But within a short time, the old rhythm returned.
Complaints of extortion are nothing new in Bangladesh. However, after the fall of the government on 5 August 2024, many believed that this vicious cycle would come to an end.
In reality, that did not happen. By “methods of extortion,” we refer to the new techniques criminals use. Where once money was taken through direct physical threats or intimidation, now online fraud, cybercrime, and other subtle tactics are being employed.
It would be wrong to say the government lacks effort or sincerity. The problem is that its efforts are insufficient. The government is trying hard to reform the constitution, administration, judiciary, and economy — and there is some hope of success. Even without forming commissions or committees, the government could take exemplary measures against drugs and extortion. The fact that such steps were not taken before does not mean they cannot be taken now.
Based on last year’s experience, if the law ministry and the home ministry take decisive action, no political party would object. On the contrary, such a move would make history. Advisers involved would become living legends, honoured by the people for life. Such golden opportunities do not come often.
In many cases, extortionists use political connections as protection, and they even receive help from inside the administration. Thus, even if there is no lack of sincerity, the real problem is the absence of political will. Today, the biggest challenges in Bangladesh are eradicating drugs and extortion. If the state is truly determined, this can be done—provided there is strict enforcement of the law, political willpower, grassroots social movements, and programs for humane rehabilitation.
History can be made here—if leadership is firm and public confidence in the legal and judicial system is restored. To overcome this situation, merely changing governments is not enough; a transformation of political culture is required. Given today’s reality, political parties cannot afford to avoid this responsibility. Currently, the army is deployed with magistracy powers—this too is a blessing for tackling drugs and extortion.
Of course, opportunistic groups have always existed and always will. They turn July into a “money-making machine.” But when action gets tough, they simply lie low, like monkeys hiding their tails when fire touches them.
Therefore, crash programs can be launched across cities and villages. It is clear these criminals will not stop merely through appeals or token gestures. In Dhaka and elsewhere, extortion and drug crimes are resurging with new energy. Drugs are within arm’s reach.
Extortion money keeps flowing. From yaba, crystal meth (ice), cannabis, and Phensedyl to various chemical drugs, the youth are being pushed down a path of destruction. This scourge has spread beyond cities into villages.
Political patronage has fostered drug syndicates, posing major challenges even for law enforcement agencies. Extortion, meanwhile, has become an inevitable fear for both businesses and ordinary people—affecting everyone from small shopkeepers to big industrialists.
These are not just crimes; they are direct threats to the stability of the state and the future of the next generation.
Enacting laws alone is not enough; they must be enforced effectively. Fast-track tribunals for drug cases could be made operational. Similarly, cases of extortion must be resolved within a fixed timeframe, with clear verdicts.
Many existing laws in Bangladesh are outdated. New provisions are needed for modern drugs such as crystal meth and synthetic chemicals. For controlling extortion, cyber surveillance must be intensified to track illegal financial transactions.
Moreover, drugs cannot be eliminated by police raids alone. Schools, mosques, and social organizations must be involved in building grassroots resistance.
Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Malaysia have implemented extremely harsh punishments for drugs and corruption, including the death penalty. Nations like Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore have waged wars on drugs as state policies.
However, balancing such toughness with respect for human rights is critical. Bangladesh must learn from these examples—combining strict enforcement with rehabilitation programs.
If any law or justice minister—or adviser—takes truly decisive measures to control drugs and extortion, they will earn a unique place in history. If Bangladesh fails to take bold action now, there is no guarantee the opportunity will come again.
When Rodrigo Duterte declared a war on drugs in the Philippines, thousands were killed in nationwide raids. This led to severe international criticism over human rights abuses. But it is also true that drug syndicates were dealt a significant blow. Bangladesh can learn from this: drugs must be crushed with an iron hand, but human rights must not be abandoned.
In the early 2000s, Thailand was overwhelmed by a yaba epidemic. The government launched mass crackdowns and arrested thousands. But police action alone did not solve the problem. Later, they strengthened rehabilitation and educational campaigns, which helped stabilise the situation.
In Mexico, drug cartels remain a nightmare for the government, despite tough laws, military action, and international cooperation. Corruption within politics and the administration allowed cartels to endure. This shows Bangladesh that fighting drugs is not just the police’s job—it requires political will and administrative transparency.
Several Muslim countries follow a “zero tolerance” policy on drugs. In Saudi Arabia, anyone involved in drug trafficking faces the death penalty, which has created fear.
In Bangladesh, drugs are not merely a law-and-order issue; they are tied to powerful political and economic networks. Yaba shipments cross borders, while internal “protection networks” shield traffickers. The same applies to extortion, where political clout protects criminals from small-time thugs to major racketeers.
Bangladesh’s drug control laws must be updated. Special provisions should address crystal meth and other synthetic drugs. The economic crime tribunal must also be strengthened to tackle extortion. Swift justice is essential—delayed verdicts only embolden criminals.
The author is the deputy head of news at BanglaVision.
