Dhaka, Sep 27 (V7N): Ali Hasan, a ninth-grade madrasa student from Satkhira, lost his right leg during a violent crackdown on student protests demanding the resignation of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Despite this life-changing injury, Ali is steadfast in his goal of becoming a computer engineer.

"We fought against discrimination to build a new Bangladesh. In that struggle to free the country from dictatorship, I lost a leg. I have no regret. I saw three people shot dead in front of me, and I’m grateful to have survived," said the ABS Fazil Madrasah student from Pratapnagar, Assasuni, Satkhira, speaking to Dhaka Tribune on Tuesday from the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) in Dhaka.

Ali is one of 70 people injured in recent student-led protests who are being treated at NITOR, widely known as Pongu Hospital.

On August 5, Ali participated in a protest march in Assasuni demanding the resignation of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government.

When police and Awami League activists opened fire on the demonstrators, a bullet struck his right leg, severely damaging his tendons.

His classmates rushed him to Assasuni Upazila Health Complex for initial treatment, after which he was transferred to Khulna Medical College Hospital. As his condition deteriorated, his family brought him to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases on August 6. Doctors there recommended transferring him to NITOR, where he was admitted.

On the night of August 11, Ali's right leg was amputated. Due to severe blood loss, he spent three days in the ICU before being moved to the Casualty - II ward after showing signs of improvement.

"I was at the front of the protest line when the police started shooting rubber bullets, ordering us to retreat. We kept advancing. Then they began firing birdshot, and eventually live bullets. A bullet hit my right leg above the knee, and I collapsed. In front of me, three people were shot dead.

"I was struck by nine bullets, but by Allah’s mercy, I survived. When I fell, a friend tried to help me, but the police shot him too. Eventually, others came and rushed me to the hospital, where I received three bags of blood. I lost consciousness soon after arriving and later learned my tendons were severed," Ali recalled.

As his condition worsened, Ali was transferred between hospitals until he was taken to NITOR. Despite efforts to save his leg, doctors were forced to amputate it. "My parents were devastated, but I reassured them that I would still live. Many people lost their lives during the protests. I told the doctors to go ahead with the amputation."

Looking ahead, Ali admitted the challenges he faces living without a leg, but he remains determined to achieve his dreams.

"Life will bring challenges, but I will overcome them. I still aim to become a computer engineer," he said with determination.

Ali has applied for a prosthetic leg, hoping it will allow him more mobility. He also called on the government to support those who have lost limbs or vision in their pursuit of dreams.

However, he made it clear that he seeks no special treatment or pity due to his disability. "I want rehabilitation based on my abilities, not out of sympathy."

Ali's uncle, Fazlur Rahman, who is staying with him at the hospital, expressed deep concern about his nephew’s future.

"His leg had to be amputated due to the bullet wound. Now, we are uncertain if he will be able to continue his education. We urgently seek help from the interim government," Fazlur said.

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