SIRAJGANJ. Oct 9 : Number of leprosy patients have been increasing alarmingly in different parts of northern districts. According to an unofficial survey. there are about 82.000 leprosy patients in 16 northern districts. The districts of Rangpur, Dinajpur. Gaibandha. Lalmonlrhat, Nilphamari. Thakurgaon. Rajshahl and Pabna are the worst affected areas

It is gathered from the specialists who are conducting thorough studies on the subject that there are four types of leprosy in the country which Include Teproetous.' bhulwat'. Indi la mint and border Une’. A foreign NGO has taken intensive programme to cure leprosy In Bangladesh. According to the organisation. 7 45 per cent people of northern districts are affected by the disease. In Pancbagsrh and Thakurgaon districts alone about 370 people out of examined 45.000 uni pies were found affected by leprosy The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported more leprosy patients In the country recently.

The scientists have expressed that due to ignorance

and sensitiveness, the affected people of our country do not disclose the fact that they are affect until it takes a serious turn.

A micro bacteria called "lepra" germ Is responsible for the disease In our country, treatment facility for all kinds of leprosy Is not yet extended But if detected primarily, the dis ease Is learnt to be curable, said an expert.

The knowledgeable sources

have appealed to the authority to take Immediate steps to stop spread of leprosy in the country, specially in the northern districts

Massive programme of potato and wheat cultivation has been undertaken In 16 northern districts during the nsuing rabC season. A total of 1 1,16,415 acres of land will be brought under wheat and potato farming.

It Is gathered from the Agricultural Extension Department! AED) that wheat will be culUvated In 8.90.435 acres and potato In 2.25.980 acres of land In 16 northern districts High yielding varieties (HYV) of potato will be culUvated in 1.27.948 acres and lo cal varieties will be planted In 98.032 acres of land.

Production target of wheat is fixed at 6.84.950 metric tons and of potato at 10.06.390 met He tons

Another news says: Office of the newly floated NOO. Belkuchi SirajganJ Development Programme (BSDP) was inaugu rated by ShahiduUah Khan. MP recently at Belkuchi.