Parliament hears proposal for anti-drug tribunals, use of firearms and dog squads

A narcotics control amendment bill has been introduced in parliament to form a separate tribunal to speed up the trials of drug-related crimes, the formation of a dog squad, and allowing members of the Department of Narcotics Control to use firearms.

At the same time, the amended law has also proposed to create a separate jail for the department, a cybercrime control wing, a digital forensic lab and a money laundering prevention cell.

A “Cyber Security Amendment Bill” has also been introduced in parliament on Saturday, proposing to abolish the crime and punishment clause for gambling in cyberspace from the Cyber Security Act.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed introduced the Narcotics Control (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in parliament.

The bill proposes designating the Department of Narcotics Control as a “specialised organisation with uniformed and firearm-equipped manpower”. It is also said that the department will have its own monogram and flag, in addition to the power to award medals, honours or prizes to officers and employees in recognition of their extraordinary achievements, bravery, honesty, skill and service.

Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faqir Mahbub Anam introduced the Cyber Security (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Both bills have been sent to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs for scrutiny and a report to be delivered within three “meeting” days.

After the anti-narcotics bill was introduced, a member of parliament wanted to raise an objection. Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal stopped him. He said, “According to the rules, if there was opposition to the introduction of the bill, it should have been stated earlier. Now, once the bill is taken up for consideration, there will be an opportunity to raise objections and statements once more.”

The home minister said, “The bill is not being passed now; it has only been introduced. It will be examined by the committee, and members will be able to give their opinions there. If a proposal for immediate consideration is raised after the report comes, it can still be discussed.”

Then, before the cyber security bill was introduced, Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman asked: “In the case of the previous bill, a member of parliament wanted to speak according to his rights and responsibilities. But the speaker’s refusal earlier was not clear.

“This is not an emergency, but it is necessary for the nation. What is the problem with following all the procedures before that bill is raised?”

In response to the opposition leader’s statement, the home minister said: “If a bill is brought up for immediate consideration, members can say that they did not receive the bill three days ago or did not receive the notice seven days ago. But at the introduction stage, the matter is different. You can ask for a comparative statement alongside a copy of the bill. That is legal. However, that has not been requested.”