The newly enacted Narcotics Control (Amendment) Act, 2026 empowers the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) with the authority to conduct its own raids, seizures, arrests and investigations along the border, at seaports and airports. On paper, this may sound rational in the wake of the uncontrolled entry of drugs into the country, but some concerns remain. While the home minister recently cited a study stating that around 82 lakh people are addicted to illicit drugs in the country, equipping yet another state agency with firearms and unprecedented power demands some caveats to ensure accountability and protection of human rights. Previously, DNC teams had to rely on law enforcement agencies during high-risk operations. The obvious question that arises is: why hasn’t that worked so far?

A former inspector general of police told this daily that corruption within the enforcement agencies continued to facilitate trafficking. During the Awami League era, the nexus between drug traders, local political leaders and law enforcement officials was widely reported. Raids were conducted and small-time drug peddlers were caught; some even ended up dead in “shoot-outs” while the kingpins remained untouched. Besides, we have seen how special forces have abused power during the AL era. Rab, for instance, committed some of the most heinous crimes, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. These special units and other security agencies have enjoyed total impunity for such human rights violations. Moreover, custodial deaths and torture in jail are still being reported. Thus, misgivings about the DNC carrying arms and enjoying significantly enhanced powers are justified. Although the home minister recently assured that law enforcement involved in drug trafficking would be punished, can it be guaranteed that the DNC, too, would be held accountable for any wrongdoing?

Moreover, the amended law also makes buying, selling, supplying, or promoting narcotics through websites, social media, mobile applications, or online platforms an offence. It also authorises the department to carry firearms, operate dog squads and form a cybercrime control wing. To accuse someone of an offence, physical evidence will no longer be necessary if there is verified digital evidence from, say, websites, social media, mobile applications and online platforms. Investigators would be able to file cases based on online transaction records, WhatsApp conversations, voice recordings, and other electronic communications, even if no drugs were recovered. What is the guarantee that the invasive access given to the DNC will not lead to harassment or framing of individuals?

Empowering the DNC to combat drug trafficking will only bring the desired results if a stringent mechanism of accountability is in place. Conducting investigations and operations at entry points on the border requires specialised training, and the DNC should work alongside the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). Most importantly, the government must ensure that the powers and resources provided under this amendment don't give leeway for the violation of fundamental human rights.