July August movement: 45 loss vision in both eyes, 570 one eye

During the mass protests in July-August of last year, 1,080 individuals sustained eye injuries caused by tear gas and birdshot pellets. Among them, 570 people have lost vision in one eye, while 45 have lost vision in both eyes.

Of the 686 who suffered eye injuries, most have returned home after receiving treatment at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital. However, 86 people with vision problems in one eye remain hospitalized.

At the hospital in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, surgeries have been performed on 278 individuals, most of whom were injured by birdshot pellets. Several of the 86 patients still at the facility have undergone multiple surgeries. Concern remains among patients and their families about the recovery of vision in their damaged eyes.

Hospital authorities stated that many patients have been discharged following surgeries but continue to attend weekly follow-ups. It will take time to assess the extent of vision recovery for each patient.

One injured protester remarked, "I only go outside when absolutely necessary and return cautiously."

Mizanur Rahman, from Ashulia in Savar, recounted that when birdshot pellets hit his right eye, his companions initially took him to Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Hospital. He was later referred to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital and subsequently to the National Institute of Ophthalmology. Despite two surgeries, he awaits a third operation for his right eye.

Nur Alam, a fruit vendor from Galachipa, Patuakhali, was injured during protests in the Sayedabad area of Dhaka. After sustaining several birdshot pellet injuries to his eyes, he has been undergoing treatment at the hospital for five months.

"I couldn’t hold back after witnessing Abu Saeed’s death. I joined the protests on the streets. I was injured in Sayedabad on August 5," said Nur Alam. He claims he still has over 150 splinters in his body, despite three surgeries on his eyes. "I can see with my right eye, but my left eye is completely blind," he added.

Nur Alam alleged that he has not received any financial or governmental support. "I’ve sent messages to the authorities and advisors representing the injured, and they assured us of support, but nothing has materialized," he said. He believes his eye could have been fully treated if experts from abroad had intervened.

Korban Sheikh Hillol, injured on August 5 in Kushtia, was admitted to the hospital in Dhaka the same night. He has called for treatment by international specialists. "Foreign eye specialists can determine which patients need to be taken abroad for advanced treatment, and the National Institute of Ophthalmology should take the initiative to send them for proper care," he stated.

Hillol added, "We didn’t receive timely and appropriate treatment. Significant delays have caused irreparable damage. Two individuals I know who went abroad for treatment were told by doctors there that their eyes had dried out. If they had been treated immediately, they could have recovered up to 75% of their vision. Even when specialists from China and Nepal came to this hospital, the results were not satisfactory."

Despite this, he remains hopeful about the potential for better treatment through collaboration between local and international specialists. "We have many skilled doctors in our country. With coordination, advanced treatment can be provided domestically," Hillol said.

He continued, "Not everyone was injured or disabled during these protests. Only a few lost their eyes or became disabled. This government is our government—why wouldn’t they care for us? Why should we have to appeal to those for whom we paved the way? Why should we appeal to the government?"

Hillol said "We fought to pave the way for a better future for this country. If we have to beg for help, then the concept of independence loses its meaning. The government should listen to us, and we will listen to them. That’s why we’ve gathered at Shahbagh and the Shaheed Minar—for the sake of treatment."