Is Alcohol legal in Bangladesh?
- Legal status
- Restricted / permit-based — alcohol (ethanol) is not freely legal; the Narcotics Control Act licenses possession and consumption only under an official permit, and Muslims are generally barred.
- Consequences if caught
- Possessing or consuming alcohol without a permit is a criminal offence bringing arrest and imprisonment; Muslim citizens face additional restriction.
- If prescribed or medical
- n/a — a beverage, not a medicine (medicinal/industrial ethanol licensed separately).
- Documentation
- Non-Muslims and foreigners drink under a government-issued permit; licensed bars exist mainly in hotels, clubs and diplomatic venues; no open retail sale.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Bangladesh’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →