Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that a coordinated nationwide operation against drugs, gambling, and online gambling will begin immediately after the current parliamentary session ends on April 30. He made the statement in parliament on Monday while responding to a notice on urgent public importance, presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

The announcement followed a notice from Noakhali-2 MP Zainul Abdin Faruk, who raised concerns about illegal shisha lounges operating under the guise of restaurants and cafes in Dhaka’s upscale areas. The minister said the government has declared zero tolerance against drugs and gambling, adding that protecting the youth requires decisive action. He also noted that from 2009 to 2024, such illegal establishments had operated under political and administrative protection, but recent raids have seized large quantities of shisha equipment.

Ahmed assured that intelligence surveillance has been intensified and that any individuals or police officers found aiding illegal businesses will face strict legal action. The upcoming operation will involve all law enforcement agencies at district and upazila levels.