Flowers in hand, 'no' to drugs

They were given a warm farewell by the authorities of the centre on Sunday. The function was also attended by the elite of the small town.

All those cured at the centre are young men, including students. They were treated for about a month.

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The centre--Ashru-- cured 558 drug addicts in last three years.

Of them, 78 were graduates from colleges, 35 MA degree holders, two police men and a lawyer.

Mozammel Haque, director of Ashrui, said doctors of the centre also treated 35 women outpatients aged between 20 to 28, who were not registered with it.

Sixty 60 more drug addicts are under treatment at Ashru, he said.

Some of the cured young men this correspondent talked to said easy availability of drugs like hemp phensidyl and herion was the main cause of their addiction.

Sajib of Paikpara in Brahmanbaria town said had become addicted due to bad company.

The centre was set up in 2002.

Mozammel said drug addiction, is increasing and most of the victims are young men including students.