Law WatchCurbing drug abuse
Effective law to be implanted
The nation has already undergone countless political, economic and social crises in recent times. Drug addiction is one of those fatal problems which is slowly and agonizingly devouring the prospect of the nation. More frustrating is that, it has become a mounting problem among adolescents nowadays. Forbidden things are dear to men because they are forbidden. Teenagers usually have a natural inquisitiveness towards experimenting unfamiliar and alluring things. Unfortunately, this experimentation often leads to substance abuse and addiction. The common types of drugs to which young generation is susceptible are Phensedyl, Pethidine (and other injectable drugs), Yaba, Heroin, Cannabis, sleeping pills (like Seduxen and others), Marijuana, Cocaine and Viagra containing high alcohol. In recent times, Yaba and Phensedyl have gained popularity among them because of easy availability. Since demoralisation is the root cause of this curse, punitive strategy by framing legislation solely cannot cure this problem. Deviation from conventional thoughts is needed and avenues including different concerted initiatives must be explored.
Impacts of drugs upon adolescents
Drug abuse can cause serious hazards at any age of a person. Specifically young people possess more high risk of getting affected by it since it causes physical, psychological, intellectual, emotional and behavioral problems to the adolescents. Drug primarily destroys normal human senses. It causes short term damage like unusual excitement, uncertain temper, loss of appetite, lack of sleep, rapid weight loss etc. The long-term damage is more fatal. The internal organs like liver, brain, heart, lungs, spinal cord start malfunctioning and gradually become out of order. Injecting drugs through needles increases the risk of blood-borne diseases like HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis B & C. Youths who use drugs are more likely to have unprotected sex which leads to higher risk of teen pregnancy and sexual assault. Drug abuse can cause emotional problems such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, suicidal thoughts and schizophrenia. Damage to short-term and long-term memory leads to problems with learning and disturbance in education. Educational, cultural, religious, moral and family teachings are undervalued. Having lost self-dignity, professional and educational capability, the addict shows delinquent behaviors and gets involved in petty or serious criminal activities.
Matters of concern
Taking drugs has become a fashion to the young generation. There are some common reasons among the youths behind taking drugs like dejection in love, mental stress and depression due to family problems, continuous failure in exams or works. But curiosity and excitement are the leading causes of drug addiction. Some get addicted because they try to follow the western culture of drug abuse and enjoyment of life. An increasing number of school, college and university students are being addicted during their youth which is the prime period of their psychological and intellectual development. According to newspaper reports, studies and intelligence reports, the number of addicts in Bangladesh is more than six million who spend over Tk. 70 million every day on illegal narcotics. Generally, young boys and girls between 15-30 years of age are most affected by drugs. Besides, hospital surveys show that the average age of drug addicts is 22. This addicted young generation, having lost their morality and ethical values, shows quite reluctance about their duties and responsibilities to their parents and family members; let alone their commitment towards society, nation and country. Every year, thousands of cases are filed and many people are arrested in connection with drug related violence and crimes. But in most of the cases, smugglers and users of drugs escape from criminal proceedings. Despite continuous unfortunate occurrences of drug related violence, no sign of change of positive attitude of the concerned departments of the government is noticed. Besides, legislative loopholes have exaggerated the problem much.
Challenges in curbing drug abuse
The existing legislations controlling narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in Bangladesh are: The Narcotics Control Act of 1990, The Narcotics control Rules 1999, The National Narcotics control Board Fund Rules 2001, and The Alcohol Control (License Fee) Rules 2002. But the provisions of these laws are not adequate and up-to-date enough to control the awful aspects of drug abuse.
Drugs are easily accessible to young boys and girls due to low cost and availability.
Many national and international well-organized syndicated criminal groups and smugglers are active behind this illegal trade.
There are many vulnerable transit points across the border areas through which drugs get a safe entrance from neighbouring India and Mayanmar.
Lack of motivation of the law enforcing agencies.
Reluctance and want of proper knowledge among the common people regarding the severity of the problem.
Since nurturing of child begins at home, the parents should play the highest role in moulding the character and attitude of their children. They should impart knowledge about the risks and demerits of drugs to their children. They should arrange an environment for their children so that they can receive ethical values and religious teachings properly. Besides, the parents should play a watchdog role in monitoring the psychological and intellectual development of their children. Strong and continuous public awareness campaigns against drug addiction must be launched throughout the country. Advertisement through press and electronic media highlighting the evil consequences of drugs may be an effective means in this regard. Rallies, seminars, discussion meetings should be organized on regular basis. Educational organizations should focus highly on that issue and charitable organizations should launch special campaigns for street and destitute children. Prosecution of drug cases should be made stricter by framing separate harsh legislation on drug abuse. In this regard, separate court may be established and speedy trial or disposal of the proceedings must be ensured. Regular and transparent monitoring of the law enforcing agencies without any corruption should be ensured. Anti drug approach through regional co-operation with the neighbouring countries may be adopted by the Bangladesh government.
We, all should have an all-out approach to save our future nation-builders from the impious clutches of drugs and thus uphold the glory and tradition of the nation.
The writer is Assistant Professor of Law, Premier University, Chittagong.
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