Bangladesh
Is Hemp Legal in Bangladesh?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Industrial hemp is illegal in Bangladesh. The Narcotics Control Act, 2018 covers all Cannabis sativa material without a low-THC carve-out, and the Ministry of Agriculture does not register industrial hemp varieties for commercial cultivation.
Ganja cultivation in the Naogaon district was historically licensed under British and Pakistani administrations until Bangladesh ended licensed production in 1987 to comply with the 1961 UN Single Convention. The 2018 Act applies the same penalties to hemp cultivation as to marijuana, including up to 5 years' imprisonment for small operations and harsher sentences for large-scale activity. Hemp seed, fiber, protein, and hemp food imports are not approved by the National Board of Revenue.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.
Key facts ·
Bangladesh
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
Prohibited
Regulator
Department of Narcotics Control; Ministry of Agriculture
Key regulation
Narcotics Control Act, 2018
Effective
December 27, 2018
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Illegal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Hemp imports are prohibited. The National Board of Revenue Customs Wing does not classify hemp products separately, and shipments of hemp seed, fiber, and hemp foods are detained as cannabis material.
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