Home Minister Md Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Tuesday said dope test is going to be a mandatory in public services. He also warned that if government employees become drug addicts, they also must face action. The Minister made the remarks while addressing at a press conference on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held at the Home Ministry conference room.
He was asked whether dope test would be implementable for the current government employees. In response to a query whether it would be practically possible to implement testing for dope test on public servants, Kamal said, “Yes, it would be mandatory for all.” We had sought permission from the Prime Minister in this regard. She has already given her approval, the Minister said.
“It (dope testing) would be implemented in phases.” The Minister explained that the dope test would be introduced at the entry level of government jobs. “All candidates applying for public service jobs must undertake the dope test,” the Minister said. “If evidence of (illegal) drugs are found in blood of any applicant, his or her application would be cancelled,” the Minister mentioned.
Responding to another question, the Minister said, “I also discussed the issue of drug smuggling through Bangladesh-Myanmar border at every meetings with Myanmar officials, even during meeting with their head of the state.” “They keep assuring us of preventing drug smuggling but they did not keep their commitments,” he said expressing his concern over the seriousness of Myanmar authority.
About the illegal drug – Phensedyl, a cough syrup, smuggled through Indian boarders, he said, “Phensedyl smuggling has significantly decreased.” “We have informed India about the illegal Phensedyl manufacturing factories near Bangladesh-India boarders. Indian government has taken positive steps. Although we cannot claim that Phensedyl smuggling has been completely stopped. However, we are working on the issue to further address its menace,” he said. He added, “On the other hand, Myanmar boarder is very inaccessible. We enhanced BGB vigilance by deploying more forces there. We also increased the capabilities of Bangladesh Coastguard.”
There are some remote areas where it is impossible to reach without helicopter. The Prime Minister recently approved buying two helicopters which would be available soon and used for anti-smuggling purposes, especially in the bordering areas.
