The Narcotics Control Bill, 2018 with a provision of death sentence as the highest punishment for drug dealing and abuse was placed in parliament on Monday.

According to the Bill, producing, trading, storing, transporting, and using over 5 grams of Yaba or its main ingredient amphetamine or over 25 grams of heroin and cocaine will be punishable by death or life imprisonment.

The punishment for less than five grams of Yaba will be minimum one year in jail and maximum five years' along with fine while for less than 25 grams (A-category narcotics) will be minimum two years of imprisonment and maximum 10 years of jail.

Minister for Home Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan placed the Bill in the house before it was forwarded to the respective Parliamentary Standing Committee for further scrutiny.

The Committee has been given two days to submit its report.

The proposed law also included Yaba and amphetamine substance group in the A-category narcotics, though it is not in the existing Narcotics Control Act 1990.

The bill also stipulates maximum punishment for any individual or organization engaged in financing or patronising drug dealing.

Shisha and the chemical of Khat drug have been mentioned in the proposed law along with provisions for dope testing which are not addressed in the Narcotics Control Act 1990.