Government Approves Seven New Drug Rehabilitation Centers Across Divisions
The government has approved a project to establish seven drug rehabilitation and treatment centers, each with 200 beds, across seven divisions outside Dhaka, aiming to expand medical care and rehabilitation services for drug addicts. Director General of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), Md. Hasan Maruf, highlighted that drug use in the country is no longer limited to isolated individuals; it has become a widespread public health and social crisis. He emphasized that the fight against drugs must be approached as a societal battle, with families playing a central role in prevention.
Speaking at a national research dissemination event on Sunday, January 25, at Bangladesh Medical University titled “Number, Patterns, and Causes of Drug Abuse in Bangladesh”, Hasan Maruf stated that an increasing number of people in Bangladesh are at risk of drug addiction. He warned that social decay, mental stress, and negative peer influence are driving adolescents and youth toward drugs, and ignoring this reality could worsen the situation.
The DNC chief noted that law enforcement alone cannot eradicate drugs. A robust social movement involving all levels of society is required, including families, educational institutions, and religious and social organizations. He stressed that if prevention does not start within families, state initiatives alone will not suffice.
Highlighting the shortage of treatment and rehabilitation facilities, Hasan Maruf confirmed that the government has approved the project to establish seven 200-bed drug rehabilitation centers in divisions outside Dhaka. Once operational, these centers will enhance access to medical care and rehabilitation services at the divisional level, facilitating the reintegration of recovering addicts into society.
Bangladesh Medical University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam, speaking as the chief guest, emphasized that political commitment and further research are indispensable in drug prevention. He warned against the misconception that only a small group of people is at risk of addiction, stating that everyone, including our children, faces vulnerability to drug abuse. Collective societal awareness and action are essential to mitigate this risk.
University Treasurer Professor Dr. Nahrin Akhtar added that addressing supply alone is insufficient; demand must also be reduced. Children and youth are especially vulnerable to drug addiction before fully understanding life, which is a serious concern. Families, educational institutions, and society must work together to protect the younger generation from the harmful effects of drug use.
The research revealed that approximately 8.2 million people in Bangladesh, or around 4.88% of the total population, currently use some form of illegal drugs, excluding cigarette use. Experts emphasized that drug use has become a major public health issue, not just a law enforcement concern. They urged equal focus on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration to prevent the crisis from deepening.
Researchers believe that the findings of this study, along with the proposed rehabilitation centers, will aid in implementing effective, evidence-based national drug control policies.
DBTech/ABN/EK/OR
