July 14, 2026
DHAKA – Parliament today passed the Narcotics Control (Amendment) Bill 2026, retaining the maximum punishment of death for illegal drug trade conducted through cyberspace while introducing new provisions to tackle technology-driven narcotics offences.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed tabled the bill, which was passed by voice vote after the House rejected motions for scrutiny and proposed amendments through voice votes.
A new provision, recommended by the parliamentary committee, was incorporated into the law to address technology-driven drug crimes.
Under the amended law, anyone who directly or indirectly uses cyberspace, digital devices, websites, social media, mobile applications, online platforms, electronic communication systems or other digital means to buy, sell, supply, promote, advertise or mediate transactions involving illegal drugs or psychoactive substances will be liable to punishment.
The law also criminalises the use of digital payment systems, e-wallets, virtual assets or cryptocurrency for such activities. It further stipulates that recovery of drugs from an accused person will not be mandatory for securing a conviction.
The punishment for such offences ranges from imprisonment of any term to the death penalty, along with fines of up to Tk 20 lakh. If the offence is committed internationally or through organised crime syndicates, offenders may face imprisonment of any term, fines of up to Tk 50 lakh, or both.
The bill also empowers courts or narcotics tribunals to block, remove, seize, confiscate or vest in the state any digital devices, accounts, payment systems, e-wallets, virtual assets or cryptocurrency used in committing such offences.
In addition, the amended law restores provisions for establishing separate Narcotics Crime Suppression Tribunals in areas with high levels of drug-related crime while retaining trial provisions in regular courts. It also authorises the Department of Narcotics Control to form a dog squad and exercise firearm powers.
During the discussion, Salahuddin acknowledged allegations that some members of law enforcement agencies were involved in drug trafficking. He said no one would be spared and that administrative action was being taken against those found guilty.
Parliament passed the Narcotics Control Bill 2018 in October that year, retaining provisions for the death penalty or life imprisonment for anyone found carrying more than 200 grammes of yaba or more than 25 grammes of heroin or cocaine.