To address the growing drug addiction crisis, the government plans to set up seven drug treatment and rehabilitation centres, each with a capacity of 200 beds, in divisional cities across Bangladesh.
This Tk 1,413.15 crore initiative aims to improve access to treatment and support recovery through medical and vocational services.
The centres will be located in Batiaghata (Khulna), Rajshahi City Corporation, Barishal Sadar, South Surma (Sylhet), Rangpur Sadar, Mymensingh Sadar, and Sitakunda (Chattogram).
The project is fully funded by the government and will run from July 2025 to June 2028. It will be led by the Home Ministry’s Security Services Division, in collaboration with the Department of Narcotics Control and the Public Works Department.
These centres will provide modern medical treatment near the homes of addicts, offer vocational training to help them reintegrate into society, and include counselling and religious motivation to aid in their recovery.
The project will cover land acquisition, construction of residential and facility buildings, procurement of medical equipment, ambulances, microbuses, installation of CCTV, fire safety systems, afforestation efforts, and off-grid solar power.
Currently, the country has only four government drug treatment centres and 381 private ones, which is not enough given the rising number of addicts.
With an estimated 7.5 million drug users nationwide, especially among youth aged 15 to 35, substances like yaba, cannabis, heroin, phensedyl, and injectable drugs such as pethidine are commonly abused. Experts warn that without immediate action, the crisis could have a serious impact on public health, education, productivity, and law and order.
Families of addicts often face emotional and financial difficulties while trying to support their loved ones and protect them from criminal influences.
