Parliament passes law allowing death penalty for drug crimes in cyberspace

Highlights

• Parliament passes amended narcotics law targeting cyber-enabled drug crimes. 

• Online drug trade, promotion and facilitation now punishable by death or imprisonment. 

• Convicts may also face fines of up to Tk20 lakh. 

• Digital evidence and financial transactions can be used for prosecution even without drug recovery. 

• Separate drug crime tribunals to be established for faster trials in drug-prone areas.

Parliament today (13 July) passed the Narcotics Control (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing the death penalty or imprisonment for cyber-enabled drug offences and paving the way for the establishment of separate drug crime tribunals in areas prone to narcotics-related crimes.

The bill was placed in parliament by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and passed by voice vote after lawmakers disposed of proposed amendments and motions.

Under the amended law, any person involved directly or indirectly in the illegal purchase, sale, supply, promotion, advertisement, mediation or communication related to narcotic drugs or psychoactive substances through cyberspace or digital platforms will face severe penalties.

The law covers activities conducted through websites, social media, mobile applications, online platforms, electronic communication systems and other digital channels.

It also criminalises the use or attempted use of digital payment systems, e-wallets, virtual assets and cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, in drug-related transactions.

A key provision of the law allows prosecution based on digital evidence and financial transaction records without the need to recover narcotics directly from an accused person.

Those convicted may face imprisonment for any term up to the death penalty, along with fines of up to Tk20 lakh.

The law further stipulates that offences committed through international networks or organised criminal groups may be punished with imprisonment and fines of up to Tk50 lakh, or both.

Authorities will also be empowered to block, remove, seize, confiscate or vest in the state any cyber platforms, digital devices, accounts, e-wallets, virtual assets or cryptocurrencies used in committing such offences, subject to court orders or directives from a drug crime tribunal.

Separate tribunals for speedy trials

Alongside retaining the existing system of trial in competent courts, the amended law provides for the establishment of separate Narcotics Crime Suppression Tribunals in drug-prone areas to ensure faster disposal of cases.

The legislation also includes provisions authorising the Department of Narcotics Control to use modern firearms and form specialised dog squads to strengthen anti-drug operations and improve the detection of narcotics and smuggling activities.

During the discussion on the bill, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said allegations had surfaced regarding the involvement of some members of law enforcement agencies in drug trafficking.

He said no one would be spared in such cases and that strict administrative and legal action was being taken against those found involved.