Drugs claimed at least 51 lives in Bogra town in last two years.

There are over 10,000 drug addicts including women and children in Bogra municipal area now. They take heroin, phensidyl, ganja and other drugs, according to police and some local NGOs. Katnarpara and adjoining areas in the town are known most as drug infested areas.

Drugs are sols at about 200 points in twelve upazilas and in Bogratown.

Over 40 people died from drug abuse in Katnarpara area of the town in last one and a half years, according to a survey by a local NGO — Program for Eco-social Development (PESD).

The victims include Forkan, Goni, Mojnu, Thanda, Badsha, Shah Alam, Dulu, Manna, Ajo, Samad, Raja, Sumon, Sharue, Jalu andUjjal.

Another 10 people died in areas near Katnarpar, police said. PESD Executive Director Mahfuz Ara Mita told this correspondent that there are over 300 women and children drug addicts in Katnarpara area. Many of them are suffering from various diseases due to rug abuse. Death will lay its icy hand on them, she said.

She quoted former ward commissioner Kaniz Raza from Katnarpar as saying that there are several drug addict housewives in the area, but declined to name

them. One housewife who is taking heroin for over 12 years has no control on herself now and is slowing creeping into death, Kaniz told Mahfuz Ara.

The government should take an initiative to stop the spreading drug use, theysaid.

PESD has been providing treat-

ment to many drug addicts, but it is constrained by fund shortage, Mahfuz Ara said.

Talking to this correspondent, addict Insan, now sick, said he has been taking heroin for about 17 years. Now he requires Tk 80 to 100 per day to purchase heroin.

He was a solvent and happy

man once. Once, about 18 years back, he took heroin at the influence of his niece's husband. Gradually he became addicted.

Twelve year-old Biplob is taking ganja for six years. He tested it once out of curiosity and gradually became addicted.