Published: 12:50 AM, 14 July 2026
Death penalty for online drug trafficking, bill passed
Bangladesh's parliament has passed the Narcotics Control (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing the death penalty as the maximum punishment for online drug trafficking and expanding the powers of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC).
The bill was passed by voice vote on Monday after lawmakers disposed of proposals for public opinion, referral to a select committee and amendments.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed moved the bill for passage in the parliament.
Under the amended law, the maximum punishment of death may be imposed for online sale, purchase, supply, advertisement, brokerage or other transactions involving narcotic drugs.
The legislation also states that, in prosecuting such cyber-related narcotics offences, it will not be mandatory for investigators to recover narcotic substances from the accused in order to establish the offence. The amendment introduces several institutional changes aimed at strengthening narcotics enforcement.
It provides for the establishment of separate Narcotics Crime Suppression Tribunals to deal with drug-related cases.
The law also authorises designated officers of the Department of Narcotics Control to carry firearms while performing official duties.
In addition, it allows the DNC to establish its own detention facilities and armouries.
The amended legislation also provides for the formation of a dog squad, as well as a dedicated cybercrime control unit and a digital forensic laboratory to investigate offences involving narcotics committed through digital platforms.
The government says the new provisions are intended to strengthen the country's capacity to combat increasingly sophisticated drug trafficking networks, particularly those operating online.
The amendment comes as authorities continue to tighten enforcement against narcotics-related crimes and expand technological and investigative capabilities to address cyber-enabled drug offences.
