Bangladesh Rehabilitation and Assistance Center for Addicts (BARACA) was recognized by the Government of Bangladesh for its outstanding efforts in treating and rehabilitating drug addicts. Out of 362 drug treatment centers accredited by the Department of Narcotic Control, BARACA claimed the first position in the 30-60 bed division, after having been second in 2022.

Mr. Asaduzzaman Khan, Minister of Home Affairs, formally presented the award and crest to Br. Nirmal Francis Gomes, C.S.C., Executive Director of BARACA, in a ceremony on July 30, 2023.

BARACA was founded by the Brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross with the collaboration of other like-minded religious, priests, and lay people in July 1988. The center was a true pioneer, introducing the first rehabilitation-focused treatment system for drug addicts in Bangladesh.

Learn more about Holy Cross in Bangladesh

The following year, in July 1989, BARACA became a project of Caritas Bangladesh, although it continues to this day to be administered by Holy Cross, with the St. Joseph Province appointing the Chairman of the Managing Committee, currently Br. Stephen Binoy Gomes, C.S.C., and the Executive Director. In 1997, BARACA moved to its current location in Kamlapur, Savar, outside of Dhaka City.

Over its 35-year history, in addition to serving as a model for other rehabilitation centers, BARACA has helped over 8,000 men and women in Bangladesh who were struggling with drug addictions.