The Bangladesh Rehabilitation and Assistance Center for Addicts (BARACA), the first addiction treatment center in Bangladesh, founded by the Brothers of the Holy Cross and supported by Caritas Bangladesh, has received its 7th national award, recognizing the quality of its services and its longstanding commitment to helping people overcome drug dependency.

The award was presented by Bangladesh’s Minister of Home Affairs to Niher Biswas, Manager of BARACA, on behalf of the organization. It acknowledges nearly four decades of dedicated work to restore dignity, hope and new opportunities for people affected by substance dependence.

The latest distinction further strengthens BARACA’s reputation as one of Bangladesh’s leading institutions for addiction treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration.

Established on 1 July 1988 by the Holy Cross Brothers, BARACA is a central project of Caritas Bangladesh and was the country’s first addiction treatment and rehabilitation center. Today, it provides comprehensive services including treatment and rehabilitation for people affected by drug dependency, awareness and prevention programs, harm and risk reduction initiatives, voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), as well as day-care and night shelter services for street-connected children at risk.

BARACA operates through its Male Therapeutic Centre (MTC) in Savar, Drop-in Centers (DICs) for men and women in Tongi, Gazipur, and a Drop-in Centre for street-connected children in Babubazar, Dhaka. As of 30 June 2026, the Male Therapeutic Centre had provided treatment and rehabilitation services to more than 5,000 men affected by drug dependency. Between 39 percent-43 percent of clients have successfully recovered, with many returning to education, rejoining the workforce and rebuilding stable family lives while making positive contributions to their communities.

Through its harm reduction program in Tongi, BARACA has supported 1,399 people (853 men and 546 women), including people who use drugs and sex workers. In addition, its Drop-in Centre for street-connected children in Babubazar had provided care and support to 5,594 children by the end of 2024.

Guided by the belief that “An addict is not mad, is not bad but  is sick,” the center promotes compassionate, person-centered care while helping individuals rebuild their lives, strengthen family relationships and successfully reintegrate into their communities.

Congratulating the BARACA team, Daud Jibon Das, executive director of Caritas Bangladesh, described the achievement as “a true testament to the dedication, hard work and vision of both the past and present staff, directors and management.”

As the need for accessible and effective rehabilitation services continues to grow, BARACA stands as a powerful example of how compassionate care, professional support and social reintegration can restore hope and transform lives.

Caritas Internationalis warmly congratulates Caritas Bangladesh and the entire BARACA team on this well-deserved recognition and their continued commitment to accompanying people affected by addiction with dignity, compassion and hope.