Bangladesh’s illegal drug trade is being controlled by 85 powerful “godfathers” and nearly 12,000 dealers, according to recent information from the Department of Narcotics Control.
The situation in Cox’s Bazar, once dominated by former MP Abdur Rahman Bodi, has now shifted to his family after his arrest.
Despite ongoing crackdowns, authorities are struggling to bring the drug empire under control.
Bodi, a former Awami League MP, once held exclusive control over the smuggling routes through which yaba and crystal meth (ice) flowed from Myanmar into Bangladesh, especially through areas like Teknaf and Ukhiya in Cox’s Bazar.
Following his arrest on August 20, the Department of Narcotics Control revealed that his drug empire is now run by his five brothers and other relatives.
The names listed include Abdul Amin, Abdul Shukur, Mujibur Rahman, Shafiqul Islam, and Faisal.
Also named are three nephews, Nipon-Salman, Nahid, cousin Farid Alam, and associate Noor Mohammad.
They are not only involved in drug trafficking but are also facing charges of arms and money laundering.
Tanvir Momtaz, Director of the Department of Narcotics Control, mentioned that efforts to dismantle these drug smuggling syndicates have been ramped up.
Authorities have compiled a list of 12,000 drug dealers across the country, with 85 of them identified as the key “godfathers.”
Arup Ratan Chowdhury, President of the drug prevention group Manas, emphasized that arresting low-level drug couriers is not enough.
“We have to bring the real big fish to justice,” he said.
Despite these efforts, controlling the vast drug empire remains a significant challenge for the authorities, as the network of dealers and godfathers continues to thrive.
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