December 3, 2024
DHAKA – Rakib Hossain, a barber from Narayanganj, has been fighting two battles since the July mass uprising — one for his health and another for his family’s survival.
Shot during protests near Kanchpur Bridge on the evening of July 20, Rakib lost his left leg after undergoing surgery at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation.
Recently fitted with an artificial limb, the 24-year-old finds little solace.
“I used to contribute Tk 5,000 to Tk 8,000 a month to my family,” said Rakib. “Now, that’s gone. My family had to take a loan of over Tk 1 lakh for my treatment. I can barely sleep at night due to the pain and worry about what lies ahead.”
Rakib’s father runs a small grocery shop, but the burden of medical expenses and the loss of Rakib’s income have left the family financially strained.
Like Rakib, many injured during the uprising face an uncertain future.
Over 22,000 people were injured during the July-August mass protests, with 587 left permanently disabled and 21 losing limbs, according to the Health Central Sub-Committee of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
ECONOMIC HARDSHIP AND EMOTIONAL TOLL
Thirty-year-old Mohammad Shaon, a motor mechanic injured by a bullet in his left elbow, has been undergoing treatment at NITOR since August 12. Once earning Tk 35,000 to Tk 40,000 a month, Shaon is now overwhelmed by financial hardships.
“I haven’t paid rent in four months. The landlord is pressuring me, and I’ve sold my bed, fridge, and TV just to get by,” he said.
“Hospitals are providing free treatment, but I can’t sleep at night worrying about how I’ll support my family.”
The Health Central Sub-Committee reported that 685 people sustained serious eye injuries during the protests, with 92 losing sight in both eyes permanently.
Among them is 15-year-old Fahad Hossain, a ninth-grader from Badda who was hit by pellets on July 18.
The pellets remain lodged in his left eye and head, causing persistent headaches and sleepless nights.
Despite that, Fahad remains steadfast in his dreams of achieving a peaceful Bangladesh.
“I dream of a peaceful Bangladesh, free from violence and political conflict,” Fahad said.
LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS
Abdul Hamid, professor at the Institute of Health Economics at Dhaka University, highlighted the devastating financial impact of such disabilities.
“Many of those injured were sole breadwinners. They now face a lifetime of financial struggles, often relying on loans for treatment. This creates a vicious cycle of poverty,” he said.
While some injured individuals are receiving artificial limbs, Abdul Hamid stressed that comprehensive rehabilitation is essential.
He called on the government to take responsibility for those disabled in the July movement.
“Those who have lost limbs should receive training tailored to their interests and skills, enabling them to return to the workforce. Similarly, individuals with vision loss require specialised training,” he said.
A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
The challenges faced by the victims resonate with this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is set to be observed today.
The theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” highlights the importance of promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities across all aspects of life.
According to the World Health Organisation, around 1.3 billion people globally — 16 percent of the population — experience significant disability, a figure expected to rise due to ageing populations and non-communicable diseases.