DHAKA, April 6, 2026 (BSS) - The Ministry of Home Affairs has begun work to 
acquire land for the construction of 200-bed drug rehabilitation centers in 
seven divisional cities, excluding Dhaka, as part of a major initiative to 
strengthen drug addiction treatment services nationwide.

"We have already selected land in Rajshahi city and are looking to identify 
suitable sites in the other six divisional cities," Deputy Secretary 
(Planning-2 Section) Alimun Razib told BSS today.

The issue was discussed at a meeting held in the conference room of the 
Ministry of Home Affairs.

Razib said a plot owned by the Public Works Department has been selected in 
Rajshahi for the project, adding that the government will need to pay Taka 
144 crore for the land. 

He expressed hope that construction of the centers will begin next year.

Dhaka has been excluded from this initiative, as a separate project has 
already been undertaken for the capital city, he added.

The project, led by the Department of Narcotics Control, is part of a broader 
effort to modernize and expand existing facilities, including the Central 
Drug Addiction Treatment Center in Dhaka.

Officials say the initiative aims to address the growing demand for 
comprehensive addiction treatment and rehabilitation services across the 
country.

According to officials, the new 200-bed centers will be equipped with modern 
medical infrastructure, trained personnel, and rehabilitation programmes 
designed to support long-term recovery.

The initiative reflects the government's commitment to addressing substance 
abuse as a public health issue rather than solely a law enforcement concern.

Authorities have requested all relevant stakeholders to attend the Project 
Steering Committee (PSC) meeting or send appropriate representatives to 
ensure timely implementation and coordination.

Once completed, the expansion is expected to significantly improve access to 
treatment services, reduce overcrowding in existing facilities, and provide 
better support for individuals struggling with drug addiction across the 
country.