The Satkhira district administration with the help of two NGO's -- Ahsania Mission of Dhaka and Rural Kind Hearted ( RK)-- opened the camp on the premises of the Old Jail on Wednesday.

This is the first such move in the district to cure drug addicts and bring them back to normal life.

Satkhira Deputy Commissioner Md Elias inaugurated the camp as chief guest at a simple function, presided over by Ahsania Mission's Director MA Jaman.

Satkhira Police Superintendent Abdur Rahim, ADC (General) Humayun Kabir and Sadar Upazilla Nirbahi Officer KM Ali Azam were present as special guests.

It was addressed by, among others, Agardari Union Parishad Chairman Abdur Rahman, Ahsania Mission Programme Officer Iqbal Munir and Mujibar Rahman, a drug addict youth cured recently.

The DC said, alarming rise in drug use in the district is destroying the young generation day by day. The detoxification camp has been opened to save the young generation from ruination, he said.

He also called upon the people to build a movement against drug peddlers and to create awareness among people about the bad effects of drug use.

Alongside, treatment of drug addicts should continue.

"Let us not abandon our children only because they did something wrong. Take care and cure them", the DC said.

The DC said the camp will be turned into a permanent centre for cure of drug addicts and a programme will also be taken up to rehabilitate the cured youths.

Amid cheers from hundreds of people, the SP said stern action will be taken against drug vendors and traders.

Other speakers lauded the role of the district administration and the Ahsania Mission for setting up a camp to cure drug addicts.

The UNODC ROSA community-based camp will be a model in reducing drug use and creating a movement against drugs, they said. Hundreds of parents, members of civil society, students, professionals, government and NGO's officials attended the function.

At least 15 drug addict youths have been were admitted to the camp for treatment.