Highlights:
- 255 HIV-positive cases detected in Sirajganj in 2025, 73% among drug users.
- 26 people have died of HIV-related complications in the past six years.
- Illegal injectable drugs smuggled from India identified as a major cause.
- Free treatment, medication, and counseling provided at the HIV Center.
- Health officials urge stricter action against injectable drug use.
Sirajganj has seen a sharp rise in HIV cases, with 255 people testing positive in 2025—most of them drug users. Over the past six years, 26 patients have died. Health officials blame the spread on shared syringes used for illegal injectable drugs trafficked from India. The local hospital is providing free treatment and counseling, while authorities call for tougher law enforcement to control drug-related infections.
Rapid Increase Since 2020
HIV testing began in Sirajganj on February 20, 2020. Since then, the number of infections has risen alarmingly, with 255 new cases reported in 2025 alone. Among them, 73 percent are drug users. The infection rate, which was relatively stable in 2023 and 2024, has multiplied several times this year.
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Drug Use and Shared Syringes Identified as Main Causes Health experts say most new infections are linked to shared syringe use among drug users. Many inject drugs smuggled illegally from neighboring India, significantly increasing the spread of HIV in low-income communities.
Free Treatment and Counseling at Sirajganj Hospital
The HIV Testing and Counseling Center at Sirajganj 250-Bed General Hospital provides free treatment, medication, and counseling to infected patients. Of the 255 identified cases, 187 are drug users, 35 general patients, 29 students, and 4 sex workers.
শুরুতে লস? এটাকে কীভাবে গ্রোথ স্ট্র্যাটেজিতে পরিণত করবেন জানতে এখনই ক্লিক করুন
Medical Officials Call for Stronger Action
Dr. Akikun Nahar, Superintendent of the hospital, stated that shared drug injection practices are fueling the rise in cases. She urged law enforcement agencies to impose stricter control over injectable drug use to prevent further transmission.
A Growing Public Health Concern With infections increasing at a worrying rate, health professionals and community leaders in Sirajganj fear the district could face a severe HIV crisis without immediate intervention and public awareness efforts.
Source: Desh Rupantor
