It raised great hopes among several hundred parents, civil society members, students, professionals, government and NGO officials when eight youths appeared on the podium and said they are free of drug addiction and are prepared to lead normal life.

The eight drug addicts have been treated at the Community Based Detoxification Camp Cum Medical Centre in the town, opened by the district administration on December 1 with the help of two NGO's --Dhaka Ahsania Mission and Rural Kind Hearted (RK).

The function was arranged after the youths, the first batch of patients, were cured.

This was the fast move in the district to cure drug addicts.

The youths are Milon Ahmed, Omar Farook, Ruhul Amin, Abdus Sabur, Rafiqul Islam, Shahin Shahrior, Md. Ali and Shamim Sana.

The function was presided over by Satkhira Pourosava Chairman Sheikh Ashraful Haque while Satkhira Deputy Commissioner Md. Elias was present as chief guest.

Police Superintendent Abdur Rahim, Sadar Upazilla Nirbahi Officer Ashrafuzzaman and Principal Asit Kumar Majumdar were present as special guests.

It was also addressed by, among others, Union Parishad chairmen Abdur Rahman and Habibur Rahman, RK Director Emdadul Haque and Abul Kalam Azad.

Two former drug addicts--Milon Ahmed and Omar Faruk also spoke. The youths took oath at the ceremony that they will never take drug and will work to free others from drug addiction.

They also promised to create awareness among youths against drug addiction and smoking.

The DC called upon the people to build a movement against drug peddlers and to create awareness against drug use.

Alongside, treatment of drug addicts should continue to bring back them to normal life, he said.

Amid cheers the DC said he will try to turn the camp a permanent center for cure of drug addicts.

Other speakers lauded the role of the district administration, Dhaka Ahsania Mission and RK for setting up the camp.