Dhaka, April 27 -- Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has announced a nationwide crackdown on drugs, gambling, and online betting, starting immediately after parliament rises for recess on Apr 30.

The minister made the declaration in the House on Monday while responding to a notice of urgent public importance under Section 71 of the Rules of Procedure.

The issue was raised by Noakhali-2 MP Zainul Abdin Farroque, who called for immediate government intervention to shut down illegal shisha lounges operating under the guise of restaurants and cafes in the capital's upscale residential areas.

Farroque alleged that many such establishments continue to operate by relocating or colluding with sections of the administration.

In his response, the ...