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Published : 08 May 2026, 09:00 PM
Bangladesh and Pakistan have signed an agreement to prevent the misuse and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two countries on the issue at a ceremony held at InterContinental Dhaka hotel on Friday.
The agreement states that both countries will exchange information to prevent drug trafficking and drug-related money laundering and provide each other with the necessary technical assistance.
In addition, they will regularly exchange intelligence information on suspects involved in drug-related crimes, trafficking organisations and new methods and routes of trafficking.
Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Pakistani Home Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi signed the MoU on behalf of their respective countries.
A press release from the home ministry said that the agreement will be effective for 10 years from the date of signing and its period can be extended later on the basis of mutual consent.
Earlier, a draft agreement was proposed by Pakistan to prevent terrorism, drug trafficking, smuggling and document forgery, which was discussed and decided by the interim government in an inter-ministerial meeting.
The press release said that in light of that decision, the current government is reviewing the draft. On its basis, a MoU was signed between the two countries to prevent drug trafficking.
What is in the MoU?
> Information exchange: Regular exchange of information about drug traffickers, criminal organisations and new methods of hiding drugs.
> Joint activities: Intelligence agencies of both countries will conduct intelligence activities and conduct joint operations like “controlled delivery operations” at mutual request to prevent drug trafficking.
> Training and capacity building: Training, retraining and exchange of scientific research results of officers related to drug control.
> Technical assistance: Exchange of experience in the use of technical equipment and sniffer dogs to detect hidden drugs.
> Focal point: The Narcotics Control Department will act as the focal point for Bangladesh and the Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) will act as the focal point for Pakistan for regular and operational information exchange.
> Confidentiality: All information and documents exchanged will be kept strictly confidential and will not be disclosed to any third party.
In another press release, it stated that in addition to the signing of the MoU, a meeting was also held between the home ministers of the two countries.
Various issues of mutual interest, especially regional security and capacity building of law enforcing agencies, were discussed in detail in a “very cordial atmosphere”.
The home ministry says that the meeting also discussed the current status of the document sent for the opinion of the law ministry regarding the release of three Pakistanis imprisoned in Bangladesh.
Calling for increased international support for the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya, Home Minister Salahuddin said Pakistan can play a role in increasing constructive international engagement with Myanmar in this regard.
The press release said that the ministers of both countries emphasised common interests in addressing regional security challenges. They agreed to enhance coordination and judicial cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
"Emphasis was placed on intelligence sharing to prevent human trafficking and illegal smuggling of migrants and joint efforts to suppress smuggling rings. In addition, discussions were held on increasing the protection of victims of trafficking and awareness programs."
The meeting highlighted the importance of the “Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters” agreement for the rapid exchange of information and evidence in the investigation of criminal offenses, and expressed hope that "this will further strengthen the fight against cross-border crimes and cooperation between law enforcement agencies."
In addition, the meeting discussed effective extradition measures in various fields, including terrorism and financial crimes, so that criminals cannot escape from one country to another and evade justice.
Both sides expressed hope that through this cooperation, it will be possible to ensure the security of the citizens of both countries.
