[🇧🇩] Those who are injured during student revolution

[Saif]

Govt to stand by those injured in mass uprising: health adviser

Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum today said the government will stand by the injured in the anti-discrimination student movement to ensure their treatment and rehabilitation

www.thedailystar.net

Govt to stand by those injured in mass uprising: health adviser

Photo: Collected

Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum today said the government will stand by the injured in the anti-discrimination student movement to ensure their treatment and rehabilitation.

The adviser said this while addressing a press briefing after the cornea transplant surgery of Israfil and Anik, two injured in the anti-discrimination student movement at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital.

During the visit, Nurjahan inquired about the treatment of the injured at the eye hospital and visited different wards.

She also talked with the families of Israfil and Anik.

Highly sensitive corneal tissue was brought to Bangladesh by the Sheba Foundation from the US, and Nepal for cornea transplantation in the eyes of two patients injured in the anti-discrimination student movement.

Earlier, the Sheba Foundation assured to provide 40 corneas. In continuation of this, for the first time, the cornea of the eyes of two people injured in the movement was transplanted.

The health adviser said, "We have to try to treat the injured in the anti-discrimination movement and lift them from the trauma they are going through.

"The director of the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital Prof Dr Khair Ahmed Chowdhury, and other doctors of the hospital were present, among others.​

 

[Saif]

Thai medical team arrives in Dhaka to treat injured victims of July uprising

A medical team from Thailand arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday to provide treatment to individuals injured during the July uprising. The visit comes weeks after a Chinese medical team assisted severely injured patients in major government hospitals. Many of those injured in July are still receiving car

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Thai medical team arrives in Dhaka to treat injured victims of July uprising
FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
Oct 30, 2024 20:23
Updated :
Oct 30, 2024 20:34

A medical team from Thailand arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday to provide treatment to individuals injured during the July uprising. The visit comes weeks after a Chinese medical team assisted severely injured patients in major government hospitals. Many of those injured in July are still receiving care at various hospitals.

Earlier, Vejthani Hospital of Bangkok expressed interest in providing free medical consultations to the seriously injured patients. In line with this, a team of six, including three doctors from the hospital, visited patients at the National Orthopedic Hospital and Rehabilitation Institute (NITOR) and the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital (NINS) in Dhaka.

Dr Kazi Shamim Uzzaman, Director of NITOR, said that the Thai medical team examined all 57 patients admitted there, focusing on 15 individuals with severe nerve and joint injuries.

The team's plan for nerve injury patients involves a wait-and-observe approach with regular check-ups and further surgery to be determined based on subsequent evaluations. For the remaining patients, the Thai team concurred with the ongoing treatment protocol.

At NINS, joint director Dr Md Badrul Alam said that the team examined seven seriously injured patients there.

The medical team is expected to provide a detailed report on each patient's condition on Thursday. Additionally, they expressed satisfaction with the overall treatment being provided at the hospitals.​

 

[Saif]

Rehabilitation of injured in mass uprising stressed

People from different professional groups on Friday called for an immediate beginning of a long-term rehabilitation process for the people injured during the July-August mass uprising, which arose...

www.newagebd.net

Rehabilitation of injured in mass uprising stressed
Staff Correspondent 09 November, 2024, 01:29

Architect Mubasshar Hussain Foundation holds an event titled Introduction Ceremony of Volunteers Helping the Injured at the SEL Centre in the capital’s Panthapath on Friday. | New Age photo

People from different professional groups on Friday called for an immediate beginning of a long-term rehabilitation process for the people injured during the July-August mass uprising, which arose from student protests demanding quota reform in government jobs.

They, in the event titled ‘Introduction Ceremony of Volunteers Helping the Injured’, also urged the creation of a central database to ensure the proper rehabilitation of around 30,000 injured individuals.

The event was organised by the Architect Mubasshar Hussain Foundation with the help of The Structural Engineers Limited at SEL Center in the capital’s Panthapath area.

Saiduddin Mohammad Emdad, an organiser of Raktim July Chabbish—an organisation led by several individuals injured in the July-August mass uprising—emphasised the need for genuine rehabilitation efforts for the injured people, rather than simply offering donations.

Saiduddin, who was shot at on August 4 during the movement, said, ‘The state is not doing enough for the injured people, who are facing numerous challenges including depression and financial hardships.’

The speakers observed that the interim government is not giving sufficient priority to the injured individuals.

Barrister Sara Hossain, honorary executive director of Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust, emphasised the importance of documenting the experiences of the injured ones, noting that these accounts would serve as valuable testimony.

She also stressed the need to address human rights violations that occurred during the movement while the Awami League was in power.

Thirteen volunteer organisations that supported the people injured in the July-August mass uprising were awarded with honorary certificates as a token of appreciation.

Bishwa Sahitya Kendra founder and chairman Abdullah Abu Sayeed was, among others, also present at the event.​

 

[Saif]

Long-term rehab plan needed for injured protesters

THE government has expressed its commitment to medical and socio-economic support for protesters wounded in the July-August uprising. It has also taken some steps in this...

www.newagebd.net

Long-term rehab plan needed for injured protesters
10 November, 2024, 00:00

THE government has expressed its commitment to medical and socio-economic support for protesters wounded in the July-August uprising. It has also taken some steps in this direction. A number of platforms of volunteers working with the injured at an event in Dhaka on November 8, however, expressed their concern about the delay in treatment and financial support for protesters. While the government is busy examining the list of injured, at least 587 had to go through amputation and 685 people have been fully or partially blinded by shotgun pellets that law enforcers used to quell the uprising. An injured victim, also a member of Raktim July Chabbish, a platform of the victims of the July uprising, reports having faced major mismanagement in accessing health care. He also notes that the government support is not accessible to all, especially those living outside Dhaka, who do not have the digital literacy to access information circulated on social network. The government should, therefore, devise a long-term treatment and rehabilitation plan for the injured protesters at the earliest.

Volunteers, injured protesters and the families have, therefore, put forth the demands. The committee under the health ministry that coordinates the treatment and enlistment process has recently announced a hotline number that the injured can use to access related information. Many injured victims, especially with working class backgrounds, report that they have to wait too long on the phone or call a number of times to access the telephone service. Many, who returned home after their initial treatment, talked about their economic struggle for follow-up treatment in Dhaka. Without a publicly supported shelter for the injured seeking treatment in public hospitals, some have reported spending nights at bus stands or on hospital verandas. A large number of the injured are rickshaw-pullers, restaurant workers, industrial workers or roadside vendors and in their cases, their concern is not limited to medical treatment. Their family’s economic survival is also at stake. They have talked about their struggle to keep a roof over their head or pay for their children’s tuition as they have not earned for more than three months. Some injured protesters have already manifested post-traumatic stress disorder, which is left unattended.


It is high time that the government drew up a thorough plan on how to support and acknowledge people’s contribution to the uprising and make it public. The priority task for the government is to make a list of all deceased and injured in the protests under the Awami League regime and ensure emergency and long-term economic support for them. The government should also ensure equal access to treatment for all injured protesters. The government should consider forming a task force involving national and international experts with experience dealing with similar violent situations to ensure the best possible health care.​

 

[Saif]

July uprising injured vow to continue protest at NITOR

Demand key advisers meet them to listen to their demands for better treatment

www.thedailystar.net

July uprising injured vow to continue protest at NITOR
Better treatment, quick release of funds demanded

Photo: Rashed Sumon A group of protesters, injured during the July uprising, stage a sit in at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), where they are currently being treated.

A group of protesters who were injured during the July mass uprising and are now undergoing treatment, were blocking the road in front of the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) till midnight, demanding proper treatment.

They also demanded quick release of funds from the July Smriti Foundation for all the victims.

The protests began after Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum went to the hospital to visit them. She had to leave NITOR in a different vehicle after her car was blocked.

Accompanied by British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, she went there around 11:30am.

When the two were leaving the hospital after talking to a few patients, the other injured victims gathered outside and blocked the adviser's car on the hospital premises, witnesses said.

Some lay in front of the vehicle, while others climbed onto it.

The protocol officers pushed them away during the protests, they alleged.

In response to the situation, the health adviser left in another vehicle. The UK high commissioner also had to leave the hospital in a different car.

The injured protesters – some with bandages on their hands, legs or eyes and others in wheelchairs or with crutches – then left the hospital and blocked the adjacent road.

They declared they would not clear the road until the health adviser met everyone.

They also expressed frustration over not receiving the promised compensation of Tk 100,000 each.

Confirming the incident, Ziaul Haque, additional deputy commissioner of Tejgaon Division Police, said the adviser had left safely and her car was not damaged.

As of filing this report around 1:00am today, the protesters were still on the road.

Around 10:30pm, Hasnat Abdullah, convenor of the Anti-Discrimination Students' Movement, which spearheaded the July uprising, and Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho, general secretary of the July Smriti Foundation and brother of slain student protester Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho, went to the spot to talk to the protesters.

They said they found many of the injured were not protesters of the movement and were Awami League supporters, adding that the foundation was working to verify and crosscheck the list properly and this was why many of the victims did not yet receive their compensation.

Hasnat mentioned that the health adviser is a cancer patient, and her newly appointed assistant Prof Sayedur Rahman, former BSMMU vice chancellor, may be able to visit instead.

However, the protesters said they will remain on the street, whether they lose another limb or not, until the advisers come back and talk to them all, and ensure proper treatment and the disbursement of funds.

One protester said he wants the resignation of the health adviser.

Meanwhile, the hospital authorities said those injured in the July uprising were being given the highest priority. Special wards and food have been designated for them.

Shahidul Islam, 19, a protester who was wounded by bullets and is now being treated on the second floor of the hospital, said the adviser and others arrived at the hospital and went to the third floor, where they talked to only a few of the injured.

"There are at least 42 of us receiving treatment on the second floor but the adviser was leaving the hospital without visiting us."

Upon hearing the news, the other injured July protesters, who are being treated at nearby hospitals, joined the protests as well.

At one stage, military personnel stationed near the hospital requested them to return to the hospital.

However, Md Masum, seated in a wheelchair, said they would not leave until the health adviser returned to meet them. "After three long months, she finally comes here but chooses to neglect us."

Expressing his grievances, Masum said, "She became an adviser over our blood. Many of us are yet to receive the promised compensation from the July Foundation."

Al Miraj, an MBA student of IUBAT, was injured in both eyes while protesting in Kakrail on the afternoon of July 19.

He has since been receiving treatment at the National Institute of Ophthalmology & Hospital. "Doctors have said the treatment for my right eye is not available in the country. We took to the street to demand better treatment."

Currently, 84 injured protesters from the uprising are undergoing treatment at NITOR. Two separate wards are dedicated for the them -- one in level-2 and another in level-3, according to hospital officials.

Till date, 21 people have had their hands and legs amputated, while six patients have died.

Shahin Alam, a ninth-grader who was injured on August 5, and receiving treatment at NITOR, was also protesting yesterday.

"I was shot in the left leg and underwent four surgeries in NITOR. The doctor told me to come back after nine months. I don't think I'm getting proper treatment here."

Md Badiuzzaman, deputy director of NITOR, said, medical teams from China and Thailand visited them, and there is a team from the UK who are working to assess their treatment. Until yesterday, 15 people have undergone surgeries.

"Moreover, the foreign medical teams have expressed a great deal of satisfaction with our medical procedures. But it will take a long time for the patients' condition to improve, especially those with nerve injuries … Any claims of us not giving proper treatment are false."

Regarding those who did not receive compensation from July Foundation, he said, "As far as we know, there were some problems with papers of some of the patients, which is why they haven't received the money yet."​

 

[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.”​