<i>Once drug addicts they now help others get rid of the curse</i>
Members of Punarjibon, an organisation of volunteers engaged in awareness campaign against drug abuse, taking oath to remain away from drugs during a prayer meeting at Puratan Bazar in Chapainawabganj town. Photo: STAR
Around a hundred people who were once drug addicts are now engaged in helping people with similar problems to return to normal life. Working as members of Punorjibon, an organisation dedicated to making a drug-free society, they conduct awareness campaign to motivate people against the bad effects of drug abuse in Chapainawabganj town. The organisation comprising over 150 volunteers has also set up a service centre for drug addicts at Puraton Bazar in the town. A few years ago, an NGO sent 33 drug addicts to a medical and motivation centre in Rajshahi for treatment. After receiving treatment, they returned to Chapainawabganj town and started campaign against drug abuse. In 2003, the 33 people formed an organisation to create awareness against the bad effects of drug abuse, especially among the young generation, and motivate people to build a drug-free society. "I had been taking drugs for over 35 years. At one stage, my son Monirul Islam also became a heroin addict. I got rid of drug seven years ago while my son gave up taking heroin a year ago. Members of Punorjibon have been able to persuade Monirul to stop taking heroin. We are now leading a peaceful life," said Mojlish, 55, general secretary of Punorjibon. Monirul, 22, has also become an active member of the organisation. Monu Khaza, president of the organisation, said all their members attend prayers once a day and share their views to keep themselves free from drug. "Old members usually take new members to take part in prayers at the office," he said, adding that they recently set up a service centre for drug addicts. "New drug addicts, who are willing to get rid of the curse of drug abuse, often approach us and become members of the organisation. However, a few dozen people, have returned to their old habit of drug taking. We are still trying to convince them to refrain from the harmful practice," he said. Around 98 people have died from drug addiction only in Masjid Para area of the district town in last 20 years while the number is much larger in the town during the period, said members of Punorjibon. Many drug addicts belong to poor families and they collect money by selling their blood. Many drug addicts suffer from different diseases. As there is no treatment facility for drug addicts in the town, Punorjibon set up a service centre for drug addicts, said Motiur Rahman, former general secretary of the organisation. The members of the organisation said that they are not getting any significant financial support from the authorities in their initiative. They received only Tk 3,000 from social welfare department several years ago. The municipality authorities, however, provided them a room at Puraton Bazar which is now being used as the office of Punorjibon, they said.
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