, Oct. 23 -- The number of HIV/AIDS patients in Sirajganj has risen alarmingly this year.

So far, 255 people have been diagnosed with the virus. Most of them are young and drug users.

HIV testing began at the 250-bed Sirajganj General Hospital on February 20, 2020.

In the first year, 4 people tested positive.

The number increased to 8 in the following year and reached 81 in 2022.

In 2023 and 2024, the situation remained relatively stable.

However, this year, the number of cases has risen sharply to 255.

The hospital's HIV Testing and Counselling Center confirmed the information.

Counselor Masud Rana told reporters that among the infected, 187 are drug users, 35 are ordinary people, 29 are students, and 4 are sex workers.

So far, ...