Brother Ronald F. Drahozal, CSC, Is No More

Brother Ronald F. Drahozal, C.S.C., the pioneer of treatment
and rehabilitation of drug addicts in Bangladesh

Photo courtesy: Prothom Alo (Bengali daily)

The Congregation of Holy Cross Brother Ronald F. Drahozal, C.S.C., with decades of service to the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts, especially street drug addicts, in Bangladesh, died on October 15 at Dujarie House of Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame, Indiana, USA. He was 81.


In 1988, Brother Drahozal founded BARACA (Bangladesh Assistance and Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts) in Dhaka. It is now a Caritas project run by Holy Cross Brothers. In 1994, he founded APON (Ashokti Punorbashon Nibash -- Drug Rehabilitation Residence) in Dhaka, and later in 2007, it moved to a new and spacious facility in the district of Manikganj where hundreds of male and female addicts receive service. 

This American Brother's selfless service drew the attention of many in Bangladesh and abroad. He received several accolades. Recognizing his service, the Bangladesh government awarded him a medal and granted him citizenship of Bangladesh. 

For details on him and his work, please read the following:

• US missionary who helped youths break from drugs passes away (Oct. 17, 2018)
• Brother Ronald F. Drahozal
• Brother Ronald Drahozal: An Appreciation (Nov. 2, 2018)
• 60 Years as Brother Ronald Drahozal, CSC (Jan. 29, 2018)
• Bangladeshi drug addicts get new lease of life (July 21, 2018)
• Brother Ronald Drahozal, C.S.C., Through the APON, Serves Drug Addicts in Bangladesh (Sept. 28, 2013)
• Brother Ronald Drahozal and Apon (Nov. 12, 2012)
• Drug rehab pioneer Brother Drahozal honoured (Jan. 25, 2017)
• AponGaon: Facebook