Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Dhaka (Agenzia Fides) - Church-run Bangladesh Rehabilitation and Assistance Center for Addicts (BARACA), managed by the Church, obtained national recognition. BARACA's Director Brother Nirmal Francis Gomes CSC (Congregation of the Holy Cross) received a crest as second place for best service in drug rehab sector from the Home Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Mr. Asaduzzaman Khan MP.
During the celebration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, on June 26, brother Nirmal Francis Gomes CSC expressed joy over receiving the award. He said, "We are happy to announce that BARACA secured second place as the best organization for exemplary activities of drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation under the Ministry of Home Affairs of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. This honor will inspire us to work more actively".
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan MP said: "Dope tests will be made mandatory at the time of admission to the university. We are particularly aware that drugs cannot harm our potential young generation. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced a zero tolerance policy against drugs. The government will always be strict on these three issues of drugs, terrorism and militancy".
In Bangladesh 7.5 to 8 million drug addicts with 48 percent of them educated. BARACA is playing a significant role by change thousands life of drug addicts.
BARCA is a project of Caritas Bangladesh. BARACA received this prestigious award for the 3rd time from the Government of Bangladesh. Present recovery rate of BARACA is around 38%, which is the highest throughout Bangladesh.
From BARACA more than 5,000 people cured and sheltered, including more than 1,500 street children at its four centers. BARACA’s other activities include awareness programmes, networking among drug-addict centers, running a drop-in-center in Dhaka, vocational training, and activities designed to prevent HIV and AIDS, as well as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). (FC) (Agenzia Fides, 16/7/2022)
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