Chandpur, Sept. 26 -- Authorities have shut down a drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation centre named "Arpon" in Chandpur following allegations of widespread irregularities, mistreatment and unrest that led to a mass escape of patients earlier this week.

The facility, located in Kholisaduli area along the Chandpur-Cumilla highway, was operating with 47 patients despite government regulations allowing a maximum of 10. Patients were reportedly charged Tk 14,000 per month, yet provided with inadequate meals - mainly rice, lentils, mashed potatoes and, once a month, rotten tilapia fish, according to patients' complaints.

Assistant Director of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) in Chandpur, Md Mizanur Rahman, told UNB that dissa...