The Bangladesh Parliament has passed the Narcotics Control (Amendment) Bill, introducing the death penalty as the maximum punishment for illegal drug trade conducted through cyberspace. The bill, moved by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, was approved by voice vote after resolving public opinion and amendment proposals. It adds a new section to the existing law, defining offenses involving the use of digital devices, websites, social media, mobile applications, or online platforms for buying, selling, or promoting narcotics or psychoactive substances.

The law specifies that using digital payment systems, e-wallets, virtual assets, or cryptocurrencies for such activities will also be considered a crime, even if no physical drugs are recovered. Offenders may face imprisonment of any duration or the death penalty, along with fines up to 2 million taka. For internationally organized or repeat offenses, penalties may include imprisonment and fines up to 5 million taka.

The bill also allows courts or narcotics tribunals to block, seize, or confiscate digital assets used in crimes and provides for establishing special tribunals in high-risk areas to curb technology-based drug crimes.