A new study has revealed that Bangladesh has around 8.2 million drug users, with the majority being young people. The findings were presented on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at an event held at the Super Specialized Hospital in Shahbagh, Dhaka. The research, funded by the Department of Narcotics Control, identified cannabis as the most commonly used drug, followed by yaba, heroin, phensedyl, and codeine-based cough syrups. Alarmingly, 60 percent of users begin drug use before the age of 18, while only a small fraction receive treatment or rehabilitation.

The study, conducted by a team from Bangladesh Medical University, collected data from 5,280 participants across 13 districts and 26 upazilas in eight divisions. It found that drug use is higher in urban areas but spreading rapidly in rural regions, with Dhaka division showing the highest prevalence and Barishal the lowest. Injection-based drug use is also rising, posing serious public health risks.

Experts at the event emphasized that drug abuse is not only a law enforcement issue but also a major public health concern. They called for stronger prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and awareness programs targeting youth.