[🇧🇩] Those who are injured during student revolution

[Saif]

Ensure swift disbursement of funds for July victims

Why would the injured need to demand what should be readily given?

www.thedailystar.net

Ensure swift disbursement of funds for July victims
Why would the injured need to demand what should be readily given?

VISUAL: STAR

We are quite troubled to see that a street protest—that too for about 14 hours—had to occur for those injured in the July-August uprising to put the spotlight on their grievances surrounding treatment, promised compensation, and rehabilitation. This is an issue that should not have arisen in the first place. Those who suffered injuries or lost their loved ones during the movement to bring down a fascist regime deserve our gratitude and sincere cooperation, not the frustration of having to fight once more to receive basic support.

Reportedly, a group of injured protesters staged a sit-in in front of the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) after Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum visited the hospital but apparently met only a few of the injured, triggering angry reactions among others. This led to a prolonged road blockade that stretched into early Thursday. The protesters, later joined by patients from the nearby National Institute of Opthalmology & Hospital (NIOH), were still bearing the scars of the uprising, many with bandages or using crutches or wheelchairs. As well as expressing their grievances, they also called for the resignation of the health adviser. It was only after the intervention of four government advisers late at night that they agreed to return to their hospitals.

It may be recalled that at least 873 individuals lost their lives, and 19,931 were injured, during the uprising. So far, the health authorities have taken various measures to assist the affected and their families. Government hospitals have been providing free treatment, and doctors from abroad have been brought in to address complex injuries. Meanwhile, according to an estimate given by the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation, the families of 200 deceased, and over 500 injured individuals, have received compensation so far.

That means a large number of the victims are still waiting for compensation, even after over three months, while some require advanced treatment which is not possible in local hospitals. These issues coupled with concerns over their rehabilitation have deepened frustrations. The delayed release of funds is apparently due to verification issues as many claimants still needed further documentation. However, Sarjis Alam, general secretary of the foundation, stressed that once the verification process is completed, funds can be released to 500 people every day, and that everyone would get their compensation by December. The government, after Wednesday's protests, also promised to devise a framework for the treatment and rehabilitation of the injured, in consultation with the latter, and implement it by December.

We are encouraged to hear that, but we must urge the authorities to ensure nothing comes in the way of fulfilling these promises. The July victims and their families have already endured unimaginable hardships; it is our duty to ensure they are given the dignity, care, and support they deserve. To meet the deadlines set by the government, it is also vital to streamline these processes to reduce the chances of bureaucratic delays or obstacles.​

 

[Saif]

Injured of uprising to get lifetime healthcare

The interim government on Thursday announced that the people injured in July-August student-led mass uprising will get a lifetime free medical services at all government hospitals...

www.newagebd.net

Injured of uprising to get lifetime healthcare
Staff Correspondent 15 November, 2024, 00:15

One of the injured victims in the student-led mass uprising gets on a car to attend the meeting with the interim government advisers at the secretariat in Dhaka on Thursday. | New Age photo

The interim government on Thursday announced that the people injured in July-August student-led mass uprising will get a lifetime free medical services at all government hospitals.

The decision was made in a meeting between the interim government’s six advisers and around a hundred representatives from the injured at the secretariat following the overnight street protests by the injured.

Md Sayedur Rahman, newly appointed special assistant to the health and family welfare adviser, told the media that the injured people will have a unique ID card, through which all benefits for the injured will be ensured.

‘A written draft outline will be presented to everyone within the next five working days, and by reviewing this written outline alongside the timeline, you will be able to understand whether we are progressing on the commitments we have made,’ he told the protesters.

‘We hope that all of these will be visible by December,’ he added.

The injured will get services free of charge also in private hospitals with which the government has an agreement, said a press release from the health ministry.

The government will establish a support centre by November 17 to address all complaints from the injured, reimburse them the treatment expenses upon submission of appropriate documentation, and integrate all specialised hospitals, including private hospital, into a unified support network for the best treatment, said the press release.

The government also committed to provide dedicated beds for the injured at all hospitals, bring the victims with mental trauma under the telemedicine network, arranging appropriate training and employment opportunity based on education and abilities for individuals who lost their eyesight, and ensuring necessary machines, medical services, and equipment for those with physical disabilities.

‘We aim to quickly implement the short-term plans and bring the long-term plans to a visible stage as soon as possible,’ said the information and broadcasting adviser Nahid Islam.

Livestock adviser Farida Akhter, local government adviser Asif Mahmud, adviser Mahfuj Alam, Social Welfare Advisor Sharmin S Murshid, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement convener Hasnat Abdullah and July Shaheed Smriti Foundation general secretary Sarjis Alam were present at the meeting.

The meeting was held after protesters blocked the road in front of the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation from 2:00pm on Wednesday to around 2:30am on Thursday over negligence in treatment and rehabilitation of them.

The protesters, undergoing treatment at hospitals, including the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation and the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital, took to the street after health adviser Nurjahan Begum, who had visited NITOR at 11:30am, left without meeting all of them.

As the aggrieved protesters cordoned off the health adviser’s vehicle, the health adviser Nurjahan and British high commissioner Sarah Cook were forced to leave NITOR in another vehicle.

Later at night, they lifted the blockade following assurances from law adviser Asif Nazrul, adviser Mahfuj Alam, fisheries and livestock adviser Farida Akhter, local government adviser Asif Mahmud, and special assistant for health Md Sayedur Rahman to address their demands.

During the blockade, the protesters expressed their frustration over negligence in treatment and rehabilitation, as well as delays in the disbursement of funds from the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation.​

 

[Saif]

Injured protesters place 7-point demand

A group of protesters undergoing treatment for injuries suffered during the mass uprising demonstrated in front of NITOR yesterday

www.thedailystar.net

Injured protesters place 7-point demand

Photo: Star

A delegation of those injured during the July-August uprising presented their seven-point demand in a meeting with government advisers at the Secretariat that started at 4:40pm.

One of the demands is that the state must ensure the same standard of medical treatment for those injured that would have been provided to a minister or adviser to the interim government.

In the press release for the seven points, signed by Zihad Islam, a coordinator of the martyrs' families and injured of the uprising, they also said the medical expenses of the injured ones who received treatment at their own costs must be reimbursed.

Another demand was that the injured and the martyred be issued special cards and provided with a special monthly allowance for another generation along with their rehabilitation.

They made the demand for a museum by the name of "Smriti Foundation" commemorating those killed or injured during the mass uprising of 2024, and an annual mass signature campaign programme between July 1 and August 5.

They called for the formation of an independent probe committee to examine the medical files of those killed or those who lost limbs in the mass uprising, and legal action if any proof of medical negligence is found.

They also called for the swift prosecution of Awami League and its complicit forces, and a ban on these organisations.

They also demanded the accommodation of the voice of wounded protesters and families of those killed in the state reform initiatives of the future.

A group of protesters undergoing treatment for injuries suffered during the July-August mass uprising demonstrated in front of the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) yesterday with various demands, including better treatment and government assistance.

The protesters relented and agreed to return to their hospitals with the assurance of support and quick release of funds after four advisers went to NITOR at 2:30am today and assured the protesters of proper treatment and rehabilitation.

The advisers last night offered to hold a meeting this afternoon with the representatives from among the protesters.​

 

[Saif]

Treatment of the injured: Why the ongoing neglect?

Finally, at midnight, four government advisers arrived at the site, expressed regret over the delay, and promised to resolve the issue by Thursday

en.prothomalo.com

Treatment of the injured: Why the ongoing neglect?
Editorial Desk
Updated: 15 Nov 2024, 15: 28

The interim government formed after the July uprising is about to complete 100 days in office. One of its key priorities was to provide support to the families of those who lost their lives and to help those who were injured.

But, even after all this time, a full list of the dead and injured has still not been made public. This raises serious concerns about the progress of the aid and rehabilitation efforts.

A Prothom Alo report published on 7 September stated that according to the Ministry of Health, more than 18,000 people have received treatment for injuries sustained during the uprising. Another report mention 875 deaths. The anti-discrimination student movement leaders argue that the actual number is much higher.

The July Shaheed Smriti Foundation has been formed to provide medical assistance to the families of those killed and injured in the student uprising. In addition, the Ministry of Health is responsible for offering healthcare.

It was announced that the government would provide free medical services in public hospitals and cover the costs at private hospitals as well. However, despite regular media reports of negligence in treating the injured, no effective action has been taken by the government.

Patients receiving treatment at the National Orthopedic Hospital (better known as Pangu Hospital) staged protests last Wednesday in response to the government's negligence. When they surrounded the health adviser but received no remedy, they left the hospital and took to the streets, blocking traffic in the area.

The injured had called for advisers to reach them by 10 pm, but none arrived at the appointed time. In the meantime, some representatives from the anti-discrimination student movement visited the hospital to try and persuade the injured, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

Finally, at midnight, four government advisers arrived at the site, expressed regret over the delay, and promised to resolve the issue by Thursday.

However, even then, the injured responded with anger. Some had lost their eyesight, while others had lost their hands or feet. To their dismay, the health adviser visited the fifth floor of the hospital but did not meet with the patients on the other floors.

The demand raised by the injured individuals who took to the streets in front of Pangu Hospital, calling for better treatment and rehabilitation, is just. They claimed that despite going to the residence of the chief adviser, they were unable to meet him.

Policymakers in the interim government promised to address the treatment of the wounded. However, many gaps remain in the execution of these promises. The health adviser, who was assigned to oversee the ministry, has been largely invisible in her role.

She had previously been attacked by physicians during a public event. On Wednesday, he had to abandon her car and leave the hospital in another vehicle to escape protests from the injured victims of the July movement.

Many have still not received the promised financial assistance of Tk 100,000 per person. What is the explanation for this neglect?

We hope that the decision made by the four government advisers regarding the treatment of the injured, as agreed in Thursday's meeting, will be implemented without delay.

The government should promptly publish a complete list of those killed and injured in the July uprising and update the public on the condition of the injured. If necessary, they should arrange for treatment abroad.​

 

[Saif]

Khalilur visits injured protesters after taking up new role

He went there after taking up the new position and subsequent formalities on Wednesday

en.prothomalo.com

Khalilur visits injured protesters after taking up new role
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Updated: 20 Nov 2024, 21: 37

Khalilur RahmanCollected

Khalilur Rahman, the high representative of the chief adviser on Rohingya and other priority issues, has visited injured protesters at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) in Dhaka.

He went there after taking up the new position and subsequent formalities on Wednesday. Khalilur Rahman, a career diplomat, was appointed to the position on Tuesday.

While talking to Prothom Alo after the visit, he said, “I was not present during the movement. These boys are the face of the movement. It is my moral duty to visit them. The hospital director introduced me to the injured, and I consulted with them, tried to learn about their thoughts.”

Khalilur continued, “They mostly said they are satisfied with the treatment they have been receiving. They also expressed satisfaction with the behaviour of the hospital staff.”

He also noted two concerns that the injured shared with him. According to him, the injured who have been under treatment have no income now as they are unable to do any job. They had to take loans, and the creditors are now forcing them to repay.

Khalilur visits injured protesters after taking up new role Collected

The other concern is that some patients with severe injuries require a long time for recovery. They are now anxious about their future employment options. It is their demand that the government arrange employment for them following their recovery and help them to be rehabilitated.

Rohingya repatriation is the main target

From the hospital, Khalilur Rahman went to the foreign affairs ministry and met with foreign affairs adviser Touhid Hossain. He said it is quite tough to work on the Rohingya issue without collaboration with the foreign ministry. He received assurance from the ministry of full support.

"We have a single target – to ensure the safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees to their homeland. So, all activities will be done, with the target at the forefront,” he stated.

Highlighting ongoing efforts, he said, “As far as I know, a resolution is being negotiated to hold an international conference on the Rohingya crisis at the UN general assembly. If this resolution is passed, it will create a great opportunity to bring the Rohingya issue to light.”​