Dope test to be made mandatory for govt jobs: Home Minister

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Tuesday said dope test is going to be made compulsory for government jobs.

The decision has been approved in principal by the Cabinet, he told the media at the ministry on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

"Action will be taken against government officials who are drug addicts. We're introducing dope test for government job seekers," he said.

If drug is found in the blood sample of an aspirant, then the government "might cancel his application", the minister said.

Replying to a question, he said that 'dope test' will be applicable for all. "The Prime Minister has given her approval. The decision will now be implemented in phases."

'Preventing Yaba, phensedyl smuggling'

Mentioning that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy, the minister said Dhaka had talks with Nay Pyi Taw for controlling drugs but the discussions have not been fruitful.

Talks with India have been productive, he said, claiming that the amount of smuggled phensedyl has come down by at least 59 percent.

Minister Asaduzzaman said that Yaba is coming from Myanmar and Rohingyas are smuggling it risking their lives.

Border patrol has been intensified and the capacity of Coast Guard has also been increased, he said.

"The law enforcement agencies do not kill anyone. They have lists [of drug dealers] and at various times, they conduct drives. At those times such incidents ('gunfights') take place if they (the law enforcement) are challenged," the minister said.

Last year, 1,19,878 cases were filed against 1,61,323 people during drives by Department of Narcotics Control, he said.