Several senior leaders of ruling Awami League are saying that the government is determined to curb drug trade and abuse from the country before the next general election.
Failure to control widespread drug abuse has caused a loss of face for the government, these leaders claimed.
A joint general secretary of Awami League, who wished to remain unnamed, told the Dhaka Tribune: “The government's development work in all sectors is being overshadowed by the failure to curb the curse of drugs from the country.”
Even some Awami League activists were involved with the drug business, and it had become crucial for the ruling party to root out all of them and cleanse the party's image before the election, he said.
Awami League central leaders have also discussed the issue often in various forums, saying that a handful of people were destroying the party's image by getting involved in drug dealing.
They are now saying that no one, not even members of Awami League will get away from law enforcement agencies this time.
Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has told reporters that drug syndicates are very powerful and heavily armed and the law enforcement agencies had been given instructions to curb their power.
On May 20, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared that her government would be going tough against the drug trade, saying: “Drives against drugs has already started. We have instructed law enforcement agencies to take strict actions against drug dealers.”
