Rubber solution now addictive for urchins in Bogra
Unaware of the dangerous effect, two children absorbed in taking 'sweet smell' of a solution that they said makes them relaxed. Photo: STAR
Use of rubber solutions as an alternative drug is spreading among a section of impoverished children in Bogra town.
At least 200 children in Bogra town and adjacent areas have become addicted to several local-made solutions that are prepared for use in repair or joining items of leather, synthetic leather, ked, Formica, foam, wood, rubber, fabric etc, said local sources including solution traders.
“A few dozen eight to ten years old children purchase solution of a particular brand from hardware shops and variety stores at different markets in the town to satisfy their addiction,” said Md Eskander Ali, a solution trader at Zia Market in Bogra town.
“During the last couple of years, I along with several other business colleagues have made futile attempts to check the peculiar type of addiction locally called 'Dandy',” he said.
“I never sell such type of solution to minor boys. But a few traders sell the solutions to minor boys for Tk 20 to 22 a pack,” said Dulal, another solution trader in the same market.
Use of solution as an alternative of drug would be very harmful for health, said Dr Mainul Hasan Sadik, Professor of Medicine at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogra.
“Especially in case of children, it might prove fatal as it can damage nervous systems quickly, even within a few months,” said Dr Mainul.
“After opening the cover of a solution packet, I put it in a polythene bag and take the smell for half an hour. Then I feel very relaxed,” said ten-year-old Mohon, who has been taking it as an alternative of drug for the last two years.
Seven-year-old Ranju said he has continued taking smell of a solution for the last two months with the help of 11-year-old Gada of Shimultoli village in Bogra town.
Shakil, Rahim, Shahadat and several other poor boys at different places in Bogra town have been taking solution smell during the last four years, said 11-year-old Angur.
Most of the drug addicted minor boys resort to unfair means including theft to collect money for purchasing solution to use it as addictive, said police.
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