A laudable initiative

According to jail sources, a regular two-hour academic and vocational training classes have been introduced for about 200 drug addicts comprising boys, youths and women.

The programme has been aimed at enabling them to earn a living after expiry of their jail-terms. The addicts are also being made aware about the bad effect of drug under the programme.

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The jail authorities started the programme at their own initiative. Hired teachers, high officials and educated prisoners usually teach the addicts.

Apart from this, the drug addicts are also being provided with treatment facilities at the jail hospital.

The initiative, launched about four months ago shows a positive result.

Official sources informed that a good number of addicts already returned to normal life after being released from the jail.

Courts send most addicts to the jail for their involvement in crimes. Parents also send their sons to the jail with the help of police as they believe that the jail is a safe place for their wayward wards.

The jail authorities have isolated the drug addicts from other prisoners. Observing their disposition and behaviour, they bring them to the correction centre for improvement of their condition.

Senior jail superintendent Fazlul Haque told BSS that the programme is being conducted without any financial support from the government.

The superintendent further informed that the addicts improvewithin only two to three months. By giving additional labour and time, the officials try their best to make the programme a success, he added.

Jailer Ruhul Amin expects government's all-out support for total success of the programme.