Rajshahi, Aug 29 (V7N) - Roni Ahmed, 30, narrowly escaped death during a student protest against discrimination in Dhaka’s Banashree. Amid the chaos of clashes, with police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) firing indiscriminately and helicopters hovering above, Roni was struck by gunfire. Four individuals were killed on the spot, and Roni was among the injured.

A bullet from the BGB pierced through Roni’s left thigh, exiting the other side. Facing the grim prospect of death, he began reciting prayers. Now, he is recuperating at his village home after surviving the ordeal. He had been living in a rented apartment in Rampura’s Banashree area.

On July 19, as he returned home, Roni witnessed police advancing and shooting. Distraught, he urged others to prepare for the worst. Residents blocked streets in various areas, and drones were used to monitor the situation during the Maghrib prayer. Helicopters fired from above while police and BGB forces clashed with protesters on Avenue Road.

Roni recounted trying to find safety while being struck by gunfire, which caused severe bleeding. With few around to help, he feared for his life and began praying. He found temporary refuge on Road 3 in Block F of Rampura’s Banashree, then received first aid at a woman’s house in Block G. After initial treatment, he was taken to Advanced Hospital, where he encountered numerous other victims. Due to the high number of casualties and limited space, he sought further treatment at another facility discreetly.

Returning to his hometown, Roni initially stayed with his sister in a nearby upazila due to safety concerns. He only returned to his own home after Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on August 5. Since August 10, he has been receiving care at Bagha Upazila Hospital.

Roni Ahmed is the second child of Elahi Box, also known as Afang Mia, from Chandipur village in Rajshahi. He has one sister and two brothers, making him the youngest. His father is a farmer. Roni graduated with a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Information Technology and Sciences in Dhaka in 2016 and began working at Z3 Corporation. He currently works at Energysield Engineering Limited. Presently, he is bedridden at his village home.

On August 28, 2024, when visited, Roni was found lying in bed with his left thigh bandaged and a pillow under his legs. His face still reflected fear and trauma. He worries about regaining full strength in his injured leg and continues to experience nightmares and the sound of gunfire.

Initially reluctant to speak out, Roni later described the incident, noting that helicopters fired from above while police and BGB forces clashed with protesters below. He joined the protest out of personal conviction and witnessed many people being shot, personally retrieving seven bodies.

Roni’s mother, Nilufa Begum, expressed concern about his condition, noting that he will struggle to regain strength in his injured leg and that his survival seemed miraculous. His father, Elahi Box, hoped such violence would not recur in the country.

Dr. Ashaduzzaman, the Health and Family Planning Officer at Bagha Upazila Health Complex, mentioned that Roni’s recovery would take time. Upazila Executive Officer Tariqul Islam confirmed that arrangements for his treatment are being managed.

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