Tangail, Aug 20 (V7N) – The mother of Khondkar Talha (17), who was shot during a student protest against discrimination, is struggling with the costs of his medical treatment. Due to the family's financial difficulties, there are concerns about his proper care. Without governmental or private assistance, Talha may face permanent disability.
 
Family sources indicate that Talha, a 9th-grade student at Haji Abul Hossain Adarsha High School (Vocational) in the municipal town, lives with his maternal grandmother and younger sister in the Berabuchna Sabujbag area. His father, Khondkar Ashraf, left the family 15 years ago, remarrying and moving away. Since then, his mother has been managing the household by working in other people's homes and raising poultry. Their savings have been exhausted on initial medical expenses, leaving them struggling to cover further costs.
 
Talha’s younger sister, Sumaiya Afrin, is a 10th-grade student at the same school. Due to financial strain, Talha had initially stopped his studies to work as a painter, but later resumed his education. Despite his own challenges, he has been supporting his family alongside his mother. On August 5, both Talha and his sister participated in the protest against inequality in Tangail.
 
Talha recounted that during the protest, the police used tear gas and, in the ensuing chaos, he sought refuge on the roof of a six-story building. Police officers followed him, and during a struggle, he was shot in the left leg. A passerby helped him get to the hospital. He still has bullet fragments in his leg and requires further surgery, which will take at least another month and significant funds. Without additional financial support, he risks permanent disability.
 
His sister, Sumaiya, said they were unaware of Talha’s injury until they returned home and learned from others. She emphasized the urgent need for financial help to cover the expensive surgery needed for Talha to recover.
 
Talha’s mother, Kohinur Begum, explained that after her husband left, she has been earning a modest income by working in others' homes and supporting her children’s education. She has already borrowed over 50,000 Taka for Talha’s initial treatment. The doctors have indicated that further major surgery is needed, but they cannot afford it.
 
She had to discharge Talha from the hospital without completing his treatment due to lack of funds. With metal fragments still in his leg and an ongoing infection, she fears for his future. She has appealed to the wealthy and the government for support to ensure her son’s recovery.
 
Talha’s grandmother, Khairun Begum, noted that the family's future depends on Talha. While Talha and his mother both work hard, they cannot sustain this indefinitely. She hopes that with community support, Talha can return to health and resume supporting his family.
 
Mehedi Hasan Alim, a ward councilor from Tangail Municipality, stated that efforts are being made to help the family, but the financial strain is significant. Neighbors have contributed small amounts for medication, but comprehensive treatment remains out of reach for them.
 
Senior staff nurse Rahima Begum from Tangail General Hospital mentioned that Talha was admitted with an infection, treated with washing and bandaging. Further surgery will be considered once the infection is under control.
 
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