Bangladesh government allows Catholic-run de-addiction center to hold awareness activities in Dhaka Central Prison

A Catholic-run de-addiction center in Bangladesh got a permit to hold motivational, awareness activities, detoxification, and counseling programs with drug-addicted individuals in Dhaka Central Prison, Keraniganj, near Dhaka, the country’s capital.

“April 7 is an important day for Bangladesh Rehabilitation and Assistance Center for Addicts (BARACA), a Catholic-run de-addiction center. After many efforts, the Ministry of State Security (Department of Drug Control) has graciously approved us to conduct motivational awareness activities, detoxification, counseling, and other activities with drug-addicted individuals in Dhaka Central Prison, Keraniganj,” said Holy Cross Brother Francis Nirmal Gomes, director of BARACA.

He thanked the government officials for the permission and opportunity to provide professional and personal guidance to people dependent on drugs.

Gomes is also grateful to the Brothers of Holycross, who pledged to conduct programs for drug addicts through financial aid and support.

“This is another gold plaque added to all achievements after Baraka" I wish everyone's blessings,” said Gomes.

Holy Cross Brother Ronald Drahozal founded BARACA in 1988, making it the nation's first drug treatment and rehabilitation facility. Now, it is a central project for Caritas Bangladesh, the Catholic Church's social development arm.

The BARACA provides services for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug-dependent individuals and spreads awareness about drugs, harm, and risk reduction. It provides voluntary counseling and testing and runs daycare and night shelters for street-based children at risk.

BARACA has, over the years, cured more than 5,000 people and sheltered more than 1,500 street children at its four centers.

There are over 8 million drug addicts in Bangladesh, with 48 percent of them educated. Most people in jail are drug traffickers or drug dealers. Eighty percent of drug addicts are young, while 57 percent are sex offenders.

Though Bangladesh is not a drug-producing country, it is being used as a route for drug smuggling.

The Dhaka Central Jail, located in Rajendrapur, Tegharia Union, Keraniganj, Bangladesh, was opened on 10 April 2016.

The jail occupies 31 acres of land and can house 4590 prisoners. Prisoners from Old Dhaka Central Jail were shifted to this jail in July 2016.

There are two six-story buildings for the convicts. Each building can accommodate 500 convicts. Risky inmates and those eligible for division facilities reside in separate buildings.