Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Thursday destroyed a huge cache of seized narcotics worth over Tk 10.82 crore in Dinajpur ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026.
The "Drug Destruction Ceremony-2026" was held at the training ground of the Dinajpur Sector Headquarters, marking the observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which falls on June 26.
The destroyed items included Phensedyl, Phensigril, Phensigrip, Fairdyl, Eskadyl, MKDyl, foreign liquor, local liquor, liquor-based juice, yaba tablets, Kupijesic injection, various narcotic injections, narcotic tablets, cocaine, heroin, Tapentadol tablets, Buprenorphine tablets, Eskaf syrup, RSCap, Unrex syrup, cannabis, aphrodisiac syrups, homeopathic syrup, alcohol-producing tablets, leaf cigarettes and zarda.
The estimated seizure value of the destroyed narcotics is Tk 108,290,920.
The destroyed drugs had been seized in ownerless conditions during anti-smuggling operations conducted by Joypurhat Battalion (20 BGB), Phulbari Battalion (29 BGB) and Dinajpur Battalion (42 BGB) in their respective border areas.
Joypurhat Battalion seized the narcotics between December 5, 2023 and May 31, 2026, Phulbari Battalion between February 9, 2025 and May 31, 2026, and Dinajpur Battalion between January 29, 2025 and May 31, 2026.
Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam, NDC, attended the programme as the chief guest, while BGB Rangpur Region Commander Brig Gen ASM Naser, psc, G+, was also present.
Speaking at the event, the divisional commissioner described drugs as a "silent killer" that destroys human intellect and morality, particularly threatening the country's future by targeting the younger generation.
He said BGB has been playing a vital role in protecting the country's borders and preventing drug smuggling, adding that the destruction of such a large quantity of narcotics reflects the force's dedication, courage and patriotism.
The regional commander said drugs are not merely illegal substances but a curse for individuals, families, society and the state.
"Our promising young generation is losing its dreams, talent and future because of drugs. A drug addict destroys not only his own life but also harms his family and society," he said.
He noted that criminal networks continue trying to smuggle various narcotics into Bangladesh through its extensive borders and reaffirmed BGB's commitment to building a drug-free Bangladesh alongside ensuring border security.
The ceremony was formally inaugurated when invited guests destroyed different types of illegal narcotics.
Among others present at the programme were Dinajpur Sector Commander Col Mohammad Faisal Hasan Khan, BGBM, PBGM, psc; Commanding Officer of Joypurhat Battalion Lt Col Mohammad Latiful Bari, PBGMS; Commanding Officer of Phulbari Battalion Lt Col Mohammad Arif-Uz-Zaman, psc; and Commanding Officer of Dinajpur Battalion Lt Col Abdullah Al Moin Hasan.
Senior judicial magistrates, senior district administration officials, representatives of the Department of Narcotics Control, members of the media and BGB officers and personnel also attended the event.
BGB said it has been working relentlessly to prevent drug trafficking and smuggling while ensuring border security and that the destruction programme reflects the government's "zero tolerance" policy against narcotics.