Yaba trade in Bangladesh

The torrent of Yaba inflow into our country and rapid increase in its use, particularly amongst the youth is, perhaps, the biggest danger faced by the society after the threat of extremism. History is replete with examples of devastation of societies due to unbridled use of addictive substances.

And as this newspaper reported on Sunday, we are currently in clear danger of losing an entire generation to such harmful substances, with consumption of Yaba being over 8 lakh tablets per day. Last year alone, the authorities seized over 2.94 crore Yaba tablets compared to only 13.6 lakh in 2011. We also know that most of it is coming in from Myanmar; so on one border, we have Phensedyl coming in from India, and on the other, we have to contend with the influx of Yaba from Myanmar. Thus, we should immediately take the matter up with our neighbours for cooperative measures to stop the flow of narcotics into the country.

Regrettably, the authorities have been unable to put a lid on Yaba trade once the drug enters Bangladesh, largely because of the involvement of powerful individuals, connected mostly with the political parties and other influential quarters and corrupt members of the law enforcement agencies. And as is well known, the trade of narcotics is often connected with that of illegal small arms, which makes it even more dangerous.

The authorities need to take the matter seriously. Apart from enhanced supervision of the borders it must impose severe punishments on those who are found guilty of being involved with supplying Yaba and go after the powerful godfathers behind its trade in particular. What needs to be understood is that the loss of human resources because of this menace is great and if the situation is allowed to continue as it is, then the cost to the country will be immeasurable.