Drugs, Moral Decay & Child Abuse Threaten Bangladesh’s Future

 Syed Akhtar Siraje: Bangladesh is facing a sharp decline across multiple social security indicators, with rising incidents of child abuse, rape, domestic violence, and sexual harassment in educational institutions drawing national concern. According to social analysts and psychologists, the surge in these crimes is driven primarily by four factors: uncontrolled drug addiction, moral degradation, weak social surveillance, and a long-standing culture of impunity.Drug Proliferation and Its Link to Crime  The availability of narcotics has expanded from urban centers to remote rural areas. Substances such as Yaba, marijuana, Phensedyl, and the highly lethal ‘Ice’ or Crystal Meth are increasingly affecting youth and young adults. Experts warn that drug addiction erodes mental stability and self-control, fostering a violent mindset within communities. Women and children have become the most vulnerable targets. Crime data indicates that a significant number of sexual violence and mugging cases are directly or indirectly linked to drug abuse.  not just destroy an individual; they paralyze a family, a society, and an entire generation,” sociologists say.Why the Drug Syndicate Persists  Despite repeated law enforcement drives, narcotics networks remain resilient due to their organized structure and alleged complicity within influential segments of society. Analysts argue that temporary crackdowns are ineffective against a highly lucrative criminal enterprise. Dismantling the network, they say, requires sustained political will and systemic action.When Safe Havens Come Under Scrutiny  Some of the most disturbing cases of child sodomy and sexual abuse have emerged from places traditionally regarded as safe, including madrasas, orphanages, residential schools, and other religious institutions. However, analysts caution against blaming the entire religious education system or the scholar community for isolated offenses. The majority of institutions continue to uphold moral and humanitarian values. The core issue, they note, lies in the absence of internal accountability and consistent institutional oversight.Key Drivers of the Crisis  Experts identify two major root causes behind these crimes:  1. Abuse of Power – Exploitation of authority or guardian-like positions to intimidate and abuse children.  2. Misuse of Technology – Unrestricted access to the internet, pornography, and violent content, which distorts psychological development.  Analysts stress that addressing the crisis will require stronger legal enforcement, robust institutional monitoring, and broader social awareness to protect vulnerable populations.