Most TB patients are unaware of the disastrous effects of MDR-TB and they just give up taking medicine after few days without completing the six-month course, said Dr Asif Mujtaba Mahmud, an Associate Professor at the National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital (NIDC&H).

He said the government is providing TB treatment free of cost.

"Treatment of the MDR-TB is very expensive and no government allocation is fixed for advanced treatment. Besides, the rate of cure is 70 percent at this stage, and 100 percent if the TB treatment is completed," he said. He added that it takes two years for a MDR-TB case to be cured.

Of the total TB patients, 15.4 percent are at MDR- TB level and they can spread germs to 10 percent more, which is dangerous. He said that the government and NGOs have started TB resistance work with advanced technology and if it is implemented properly, the vulnerability will reduce considerably.

MDR-TB is a man made phenomenon caused by the ineffective administration of the drug meant to fight TB and could be treated even from home.

The side effects of the MDR-TB medicine is very strong. But because if its unavailability in the market and high price, the treatment is not possible.

A total of 51 patients had been admitted to the NIDC&H. The case of 18-year old Rafia (not real name) was really heart breaking. She was forced to stop her education after passing class seven as she developed MDR-TB only because of ignorance and negligence when she suffered from TB.

"I want to continue studying. When I felt a little better, I went back to school, but had a relapse and was admitted to hospital again," said Rafia.

Rafia lost her father -- a grocer at Shatkania thana in Chittagong, six years ago. He too was a TB patient. Her little 10-year-old brother died three months ago because of MDR-TB. Fortunately her mother is out of danger after receiving treatment for two years at NIDCH.

Programme Manager (PM), National Tuberculosis Control Programme Dr Vikarunnessa Begum said it is a relief that the rate of MDR-TB affected people is negligible yet, and if the Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) is implemented successfully, chances of MDR-TB will diminish.

DOTS is a comprehensive strategy that ensures cure to majority of TB patients under the direct observation of service providers. It is initiated at 319 upazilas in the country and the detection rate of TB that was 31 percent in 2001, is now 61.

"Bangladesh was in fifth position in 2004, but as the detection rate increased it now ranks six," she said adding that the most important work is now to make people aware of the disease.

“The programme was initiated in 1993, and because of lack of funds the programme could not be implemented on a large scale, but the support of USAID will help combat TB and create awareness at grassroots level,” she said.