Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday announced that the government will launch a coordinated, nationwide crackdown on drugs, gambling and online betting immediately after the current session of the Jatiya Sangsad ends on 30 April.

Speaking in parliament, the minister said a “zero tolerance” policy would be followed to protect the country’s youth from the harmful impacts of narcotics and gambling.

He made the announcement while responding to a notice on a matter of urgent public importance during a session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.

The issue was raised by lawmaker Zainul Abedin Faruk, who highlighted the operation of illegal “shisha lounges” under the guise of residential buildings and restaurants in upscale areas of the capital.

In response, the minister said the government would not show any leniency against drugs and gambling, in line with its electoral commitments. “There is no alternative to such action to save the youth,” he told the House.

He alleged that between 2009 and 2024, illegal shisha bars and drug hubs had flourished in areas such as Gulshan, Banani, Dhanmondi and Uttara under the patronage of influential political figures and some officials.

He added that the Department of Narcotics Control and the police are now conducting regular drives in these locations.

The minister said raids conducted on 16 and 20 April in Gulshan and other areas led to the seizure of a large quantity of shisha equipment.

To prevent operators from evading law enforcement by changing locations or concealing activities, intelligence surveillance has been intensified, he said, warning that any police member found supporting such illegal businesses would face immediate and strict disciplinary action.

He also told parliament that arrests were made during ongoing drives in different parts of the capital, while efforts are underway through the Dhaka North City Corporation to identify and shut down unlicensed establishments.

The home minister assured the House that all law enforcement agencies at district and upazila levels would take part in the special drive set to begin after 30 April.