Dhaka: The government will provide firearms to field level narcotics officials who run the risk of being attacked during anti-narcotics drives, says Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan.

‘A proposal for providing firearms for the Department of Narcotics Control officials has already been submitted to the ministry and we’re considering it,’ the minister was quoted as saying by UNB. The home minister was addressing an officers’ conference at the DNC head office at Tejgaon in the city on Thursday.

Chaired by DNC Director General Rakibur Rahman, the conference was addressed, among others, by Senior Home Secretary Muzammel Haque Khan.

Noting that the field level DNC officers require bravery to carry out their work, Asaduzzaman said they can seek assistance from law enforcers before conducting any anti-narcotics drive to avoid life risk.

He also observed that addiction to drugs, especially contraband Yaba tablets, has taken a serious turn, saying this is hampering the implementation of Vision-2021. ‘Despite an ongoing drive against the contraband pills in Teknaf, it is not possible to contain its use unless awareness is created among the mass people,’ he said.

Replying to a question about the involvement of ruling party MP from Cox’s Bazar-4 constituency Abdur Rahman Bodi in Yaba trading, the minister said it could not be proved.

About enhancing the capability of DNC, he said initiatives have already taken to increase manpower and logistic supports so that activities of the department become visible.

Later, the minister formally adorned the officials and employees of the department with newly introduced rank badges and uniforms.