Smoking Declines, 📉 Drug Abuse Rises 📈: The Real Picture in Bangladesh

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Smoking is decreasing in Bangladesh, but drug abuse is alarmingly rising. Learn about trends, challenges, and solutions for youth protection.

Introduction
Smoking and drug abuse are two dangerous habits pushing the young generation of Bangladesh into risk. Recent statistics show that smoking is slowly declining, while drug abuse is rapidly increasing. In this article, we will analyze the comparative scenario of smoking vs drug use in Bangladesh.

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🚬 Smoking: Slowly Declining

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2009, about 43% of Bangladeshi adults were smokers. By 2022, this rate dropped to nearly 35%. Thanks to awareness campaigns and education, smoking among the youth is decreasing.

The government has taken strong initiatives, including:

• Graphic warnings on cigarette packs

• Ban on smoking in public places

• Complete ban on tobacco advertisements

📌 Positive Sign: Social resistance and law enforcement against smoking are working effectively.

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💊 Drug Abuse: Alarmingly Increasing

The Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) reports that each year, the number of drug users in Bangladesh increases by an average of 7–8%.

Dangerous substances like Yaba, Phensedyl, Cannabis, Ice, and injectable drugs are spreading from rural areas to cities.

Consequences of drug abuse:

• Rising crime rates

• Destruction of student and youth communities

• Instability in families and society

📌 Concern: Although laws and campaigns exist, enforcement remains weak.

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🔄 Comparative Overview (Last 10 Years)

Aspect	Smoking 📉	Drug Abuse 📈
Change in the last decade	Declined	Increased
Youth influence	Awareness growing	Addiction rising
Government initiatives	Visible & effective	Limited & weak
Social acceptance	Reduced	Fear & secrecy
Future risk	Relatively decreasing	Rapidly increasing

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🛑 Conclusion: Time for Stronger Action

Bangladesh has achieved some success in reducing smoking. However, the drug abuse problem is growing at an alarming rate. Stronger initiatives are required through families, educational institutions, religious organizations, and social movements to build powerful resistance against drugs.

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📢 Slogan

“Together, let’s say NO to smoking and drugs — Save the young generation now!”