In Rajshahi, several students injured during the anti-discrimination movement are receiving medical treatment at Rajshahi Medical College (RMC) Hospital. Among them, Salman, who still has a bullet lodged in his abdomen, and other students like Riyad and Kaushik Islam Apurba are enduring significant health challenges.
Rajshahi, Aug 24 (V7N) - Several people injured during the anti-discrimination student movement are currently receiving treatment at Rajshahi Medical College (RMC) Hospital. The injured are spending their time on hospital beds, and while their condition is serious, their relatives focus on their bravery and the victory they believe their actions represent.
According to sources at RMC Hospital, eight individuals are being treated there for injuries sustained in the anti-discrimination movement. Four of them are in wards 8 and 9. The hospital is providing comprehensive medical care, including all necessary medications, and the families of the injured are appreciative of the treatment.
On August 5, Mohammad Salman (21), a student at Rajshahi Bangabandhu College, was injured in an attack by Awami League activists at the base of the Shach Tower in Alupatti, Rajshahi. Salman recounted, “The police fired tear gas at us while the attackers, armed with revolvers, shot at us. I was hit in the abdomen. Two or three others were also shot in front of me.”
He continued, “A senior took me to the hospital on his motorcycle. Despite the injury, I managed to help a few people by running around for half an hour. I did what I could. Regardless of the government in power, if they commit injustice, we must oppose it. I hope for peace in our country.”
Salman added, “I didn’t tell my family much about the movement before I left. I was determined to either die or secure freedom for the country. I told my mother I might not come back.”
Salman’s father, Rabbiul Islam Rabi, expressed his concern, saying, “One surgery has been performed, but the bullet remains inside him. The doctors have assured me that another surgery will be necessary to remove the bullet. I’m worried about this. My son was injured in the movement, and I seek nothing in return. I only wish for prayers for all the injured and imprisoned.”
Regarding the treatment, he said, “The hospital care is excellent. The authorities are providing very good care, and I haven’t had to purchase any medicines; everything is supplied by the hospital.”
Riyad (20), who was shot in the leg at Gol Chattar in Godagari, described his experience. An HSC student at Godagari School and College, he said, “Student League activists surrounded us, and the police had cordoned off the area. When they fired, the second bullet hit my leg, causing me to fall unconscious. I don’t know what happened afterward.” His father, Obaidul Islam, operates a hotel.
Riyad explained that on the day of the incident, they were about a kilometer away from Godagari and planned to march at Gol Chattar around 11 AM. The area was surrounded by police, and they fired tear gas, causing chaos. As they tried to escape, the second bullet hit his leg, leaving him unconscious.
In the same ward, another injured individual, Kaushik Islam Apurba (18), a student at Shiroil Colony, was shot in the leg. His father, Shafiqul Islam, died six years ago, and his mother is paralyzed.
Apurba described the incident: “I was standing by the roadside during the gunfire when I was hit in the leg. The injury slowed my movement, and I took shelter in an alley where I was attacked by a group with rods and machetes. They struck my head and face, breaking my jaw on both sides. I have had two surgeries here—one to remove the bullet and another to repair my jaw.”
His aunt added, “I and Apurba’s elder sister are caring for him. Many friends have visited the hospital. The nurses and doctors are providing excellent care.”
Dr. Shankar Biswas, Medical Officer at RMC’s Emergency Department, stated that the highest number of injuries occurred on August 5. A list of 125 patients has been compiled, and medication and care have been provided as directed by the hospital director. A skilled team is working around the clock.
Nawshad Zaman, Coordinator at Rajshahi University, said, “We have been monitoring the injured from the beginning. Some have returned home after treatment, but others are still in the hospital. We have provided financial assistance from various sources and will re-admit those with infections.”
END/MRA/SMA/
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