News update shared by Dhaka Ahkania Mission

The Director General of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), Mr Abdul Wahab Bhuya, has said that family and society’s negative attitude towards substance users hinders the process of treatment and rehabilitation. He said this while addressing the celebration of International Recovery Month of Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) as the chief guest at DAM auditorium, Dhanmondi, Dhaka on 27 September 2022.

He also said that celebrating this month inspires the recovery community not to feel alone in this ongoing process of their recovery pathway, and to not feel ashamed or embarrassed about their recovery. We must address health and safety issues in drug addiction treatment and it should involve various stakeholders, including policymakers.

Director (Treatment and Rehabilitation) of the Department of Narcotics Control, Md. Masud Hossain, the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, and Founder and CEO of Solace Asia, Mr Prem Kumar, were present as Special Guests. The Executive Director of Dhaka Ahsania Mission Md, Sajedul Qayyum Dulal, presided over the event. Moreover, Dr Rahanul Islam, Resident Psychiatrist of the Central Drug Addiction Treatment Center, and Mr Zaforulla Kazal, Additional Director of DNC, were also present as speakers while the Director of Health Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, Iqbal Masud, delivered the welcome speech.

Moreover, five persons in recovery shared their recovery journey and feelings of drugs free life. One family member also shared her experiences and challenges of family life.

After the discussion meeting, a delightful cultural programme and celebration were held, including singing, reciting poetry, and dancing, performed by the persons in recovery.

The persons in recovery, family members, and staff from the four Dhaka Ahsania Mission Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers participated in this event. Besides that, different centres of DAM organised various programmes to celebrate recovery month.

It is to be noted that Dhaka Ahsania Mission has been working for many years in various socio-development activities as well as prevention and control of drugs through the Addiction Management and Integrated Care (AMIC) programme. The anti-drugs programme in the health sector of Ahsania Mission has stepped into its 33th year.