The Karwan Bazar Railway area in Dhaka has emerged as a notorious hotspot for illegal drug trading, where dealers openly approach potential buyers, offering substances such as "Tamak-baba," street names for cannabis and yaba.
Despite occasional interventions by law enforcement agencies and the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), the sale of illicit drugs continues unabated, raising serious concerns among local residents and business owners.
During a recent visit to the area by an UNB correspondent, drug dealers were observed operating openly, soliciting customers without fear of reprisal.
One dealer, identifying herself as Jharna, approximately 50 years old, approached the UNB correspondent, offering "Tamak-baba."
When asked to clarify, she explained that "Tamak" refers to cannabis, while "Baba" signifies yaba tablets.
Jharna disclosed that a small packet (puria) of cannabis is sold for Tk100, and a yaba tablet costs Tk300.
Another individual, approximately 60 years old, offered heroin for Tk300 per puria.
The correspondent purchased a puria of cannabis for investigative purposes, during which Jharna revealed that numerous women and youths are involved in the illegal trade.
According to her, several "linemen" oversee and control the drug dealers.
When questioned about the presence of law enforcement, Jharna admitted that authorities, including the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and DNC officials, are not consistently active in the area.
She further alleged that drug dealers often receive advance warnings of impending raids, allowing them to evade capture.
Residents of the Karwan Bazar area have expressed frustration over the failure of repeated law enforcement drives to eliminate the thriving drug trade.
Some allege that certain criminal groups operating along the railway line enjoy the tacit approval or protection of corrupt officials, further complicating efforts to dismantle these networks.
In May 2018, a high-profile operation involving over 1,000 police personnel aimed to eradicate the drug trade in the area.
However, the raid was criticized for its lack of secrecy, with authorities announcing the operation in advance.
While 47 individuals were detained, many turned out to be day laborers or street vendors with no connection to the illegal trade, highlighting the inefficiency of the operation.
A subsequent crackdown by the RAB in early 2024 resulted in significant seizures of yaba and cannabis, but critics argue that such efforts lack the long-term strategies necessary to dismantle entrenched criminal networks.
The prevalence of open drug sales has created an atmosphere of insecurity in Karwan Bazar.
Local businesses are closing early or relocating, while parents express concerns about the exposure of children and youths to the drug trade.
Salamat Ullah, a trader in the area, emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms, including better coordination among law enforcement agencies, improved intelligence gathering, and active community engagement, to address the issue effectively.
Director General of the DNC, Khandker Mostafizur Rahman, acknowledged the persistence of the drug trade despite ongoing raids.
He emphasized that controlling the issue requires reducing demand through awareness campaigns in educational institutions and at the family level.
Md Mubarak Hossain, Officer-in-Charge of Tejgaon police station, said that at least 50 drug dealers had been arrested in the past three to four months.
He also noted that the Detective Branch of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police conducts regular operations.
However, he admitted that the trade continues to thrive despite these efforts.
Law enforcement agencies have expressed plans for a significant operation and are maintaining mobile teams to address the problem.
However, the persistence of the drug trade underscores the need for a more strategic and coordinated approach to dismantle the entrenched networks that sustain this illegal activity.