Rajshahi, Jan 20, (V7N) - Drug rehabilitation centers in Rajshahi, a region known for being a major drug trafficking route, are facing serious concerns regarding unhealthy environments and alleged abuse. Despite the rising number of drug addicts, there is a lack of quality treatment centers in the city. Though there are a few rehabilitation centers, many of them are subject to numerous complaints regarding their poor conditions.
 
Parents and patients have reported that the majority of these centers lack proper facilities for keeping patients. Issues such as substandard food, poor ventilation, and the use of sedatives instead of proper treatment are widespread. One recovering patient from Rajshahi Rehab stated, "The center's environment feels like a cow shed, with no light or ventilation. The food is of very low quality. They even forcefully give drugs to recovered patients to bring them back to the center." These horrifying details have come to light through various complaints.
 
According to sources from the Narcotics Control Department, there is only one government-run rehabilitation center in Rajshahi that provides treatment to a limited number of drug addicts. This facility is grossly insufficient for the city's growing number of addicts.
 
In total, there are nine rehabilitation centers in Rajshahi, but only one is government-run. The remaining eight are privately owned. These centers include:
 
"Apan Bhubon" near Court Station, "Apas" in Kashiadanga, "Bachte Chai" in Kazi Hata, "Notun Bhubon" in Shiroil, "Sonali Alo" in Spura, "Krira" in Bhodra Residential Area, "Rajshahi Rehab" in Meherchandi, "Surjodoy" in Naohata.
 
These centers are monitored by the Narcotics Control Department, which is responsible for issuing licenses and ensuring the quality of food, environment, and medical care. However, many of these centers face significant allegations.
 
Several investigations have confirmed the complaints. Some centers do not adhere to the rules set by the Narcotics Control Department. Notable complaints have been raised against "Notun Bhubon" in Shiroil, "Rajshahi Rehab" in Meherchandi, and "Sonali Alo" in Spura.
 
Notun Bhubon:
 
Located at a rented house in Shiroil, the "Notun Bhubon" rehabilitation center faces serious issues. The environment is described as cramped and damp, with no proper lighting or ventilation. The food quality and medical treatment are also criticized. Despite having a capacity for 20 patients, it often houses more than 40. Patients are also kept outside the center unlawfully.
 
When contacted, the center's director, Alamgir Kaiser Russell, denied the allegations but admitted that the number of patients sometimes exceeds capacity due to requests from the families of patients. He stated that he has informed the Narcotics Control Department about this issue.
 
Rajshahi Rehab:
 
This center, located in Meherchandi, also faces numerous complaints, including forcing recovered patients back into addiction, providing poor quality food, and neglecting counseling. The facility, which is supposed to accommodate 20 patients, often has up to 35.
 
Efforts to contact the director of Rajshahi Rehab, Rabiul Islam, for comment were unsuccessful as his phone went unanswered.
 
Other centers such as "Aps," "Krira," "Surjodoy," and "Sonali Alo" have faced similar accusations.
 
However, centers like "Apan Bhubon," "Bachte Chai," and "Surjodoy" have reported better conditions, with better food quality, counseling, and treatment.
 
The director of "Apan Bhubon," Didarul Islam Ujjal, who himself was once an addict, stated, "I understand the struggles of addicts, and I’ve created this center not for profit but for service. When someone recovers, it brings me immense joy."
 
He pointed out that due to the easy availability of drugs in Rajshahi, the number of addicts continues to rise, and there is a pressing need for better rehabilitation centers.
 
Government Action:
 
Alamgir Hossain, the Deputy Director of the Narcotics Control Department, mentioned that there are eight privately run rehabilitation centers in Rajshahi, all of which are licensed. The department conducts regular inspections, and any center found violating regulations is given immediate notice and warning. He also mentioned that the government is in the process of expanding the only government-run center in Rajshahi from 25 beds to 200.
 
He assured that the department is closely monitoring these centers and ensuring that patients receive appropriate care in good conditions.
 
END/MRA/SMA/