Before the finalisation of government job appointments, dope tests have become mandatory. This is seen as extremely important for appointments in police service. The Department of Narcotics Control, DNC, has begun to arrange for dope tests on a limited scale.
But necessary equipment has not been purchased as yet. The government is also thinking about introducing dope tests for students before their admission to universities.
Specialists feel that unless the supply of equipment is increased, the move will not be effective. On Dec 5, 2018, the dope test was made mandatory for employees before joining government employment.
BY testing saliva samples for drugs taken within the last seven days, testing blood for drugs consumed in the last two months and testing hair, for drugs taken in the last 12 months, an comprehensive analysis will be possible. In addition, spinal fluid samples will give information about drugs taken in the last five years.
To enforce this, an automatic urine analyser will have to be purchased. The fee for the test has been fixed at Tk 900.
A similar step may also be announced for non-government job seekers. The test was supposed to be made mandatory for workers of public transportation but because of objections from transport workers, this has been shelved for the time being.
President of Sayedabad Bus Owners’ Association, Abul Kalam said: “Dope test for transport workers is essential. We have asked drivers and helpers to stop smoking in the vehicles.”
Director of Department of Narcotics Control, S M Zakir Hossain, said: “We are making a new project for dope tests and new machines will be imported. We hope the project will be completed within two months.”
A person who took drugs could not stay awat from narcotics for more than three months, he added.
“A proposal has been made to introduce dope tests all over the country and so far, as per official request, dope tests were carried out on 204 persons.”