22 drug addicts flee from rehab centre in Barisal

Twenty-two out of 30 patients of Holy Care Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts in Barisal city yesterday escaped from the centre, injuring three of its staff.

According to one of the injured, Sabuj Chandra Ojha, the 22 patients suddenly attacked the staff when they were serving breakfast in the kitchen on the ground floor of the building and they fled away by breaking the window grilles.

However, five of the 22 returned at noon, said the director, Mustafizur Rahman Sumon.

There are four rooms which can hardly accommodate 20 persons, said police, adding that the accommodation problem and scorching heat might have prompted them to flee.

One of the returnees, Kazal Hawlader, said Manik and Kabir forced him to escape with them but he returned after realising that leaving treatment halfway would be a complete waste of money.

Two of the injured are undergoing treatment at a hospital. The centre authorities lodged a general diary.