July-August movement: Injured protesters demand rehabilitation

Last year, in July-August, through a mass movement, protesters overthrew Sheikh Hasina led Awami League government with the goal of eliminating discrimination and ensuring equality in the country. However, just six months later, the injured participants of that movement are now claiming to be victims of extreme discrimination themselves. While they initially received timely medical treatment, their primary demand now is rehabilitation. Many have been left disabled, and several have lost their eyesight, leaving them facing an uncertain future.

The injured protesters state that without proper rehabilitation, they and their families cannot return to a normal life. For the past five months, they have been protesting for their demands. Last night, defying police restrictions, they marched toward the residence of the Chief Adviser. Although the situation has been temporarily brought under control, experts believe that a resolution is not imminent.

Primary Demand: Rehabilitation
According to data from the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), a total of 21 injured protesters have lost limbs. Among them, 17 have lost a leg, while four have lost an arm.

Dr. Badiuzzaman, Deputy Director of NITOR, told Views Bangladesh, "So far, 21 injured protesters have become permanently disabled. Among them, 17 lost one leg, and four lost one arm. Recently, we performed surgery on another patient. Technically, the number should be 22, but we are officially stating 21 for now because there is some uncertainty about this patient's identity. Some have claimed that he was not injured in the protest. We are verifying his information before making a final decision."

"Additionally, five patients need to be sent abroad for advanced treatment. We have already sent their names to the ministry."

During the protests, 45 individuals lost their vision entirely, while 570 lost sight in one eye.

The injured protesters argue that since they have lost body parts, they can no longer work like others. Moreover, being bedridden for six months has left them unemployed. Supporting their families and maintaining a normal life has become increasingly difficult.

A meeting was held at the Ministry of Health on November 14 last year to discuss the demands of the injured protesters. Officials had promised immediate arrangements for advanced medical treatment, state recognition, rehabilitation, and employment based on qualifications, with a five-working-day deadline. However, three months have passed, and none of these promises have been fulfilled, according to the protesters.

Stories of the Injured
Nur Alam from Galachipa, Patuakhali, used to run a fruit business in the Signboard area of Jatrabari, Dhaka. He was injured during the protests when pellets hit his eyes. After five months of treatment at NITOR, he still has over 150 pellet splinters in his body.

"I can see with my right eye, but my left eye is completely blind," he said.

Nur Alam claims that he has not received any financial or government assistance. He has reached out to advisors and government officials for help but has received only assurances with no real action.

Korban Sheikh Hillol, who was injured in Kushtia on August 5 and later admitted to NITOR in Dhaka, expressed frustration over delayed medical treatment.

"Some of my acquaintances were sent abroad for better treatment, and their doctors mentioned that if they had received immediate treatment, they could have recovered up to 75% of their vision. Even when Chinese and Nepali ophthalmologists visited NITOR, they couldn't significantly improve our conditions," Hillol stated.

He added, "Not everyone in the movement was injured. Only a handful of people suffered severe injuries, lost limbs, or lost their eyesight. This government is our government. Why won’t they care about us? Why should we have to plead for help?"

At NITOR, several injured patients confirmed that while the hospital authorities were trying their best, the government had not taken any significant steps for their rehabilitation or advanced treatment.

They complained that they have yet to receive state recognition for their sacrifices, and no efforts have been made to rehabilitate or provide them with a source of income.

One such individual is Imran Pramanik, a tenth-grade student who has been bedridden at NITOR for six months due to his injuries. He fears his education has been permanently disrupted.

"I don’t know if I can continue my studies. I need rehabilitation so that my future isn’t completely destroyed," he said.

Saiful Islam, who was shot in Feni on August 4, stated, "The main goal of the July movement was to free the country from autocracy. We risked our lives at the frontline, but now we are not valued at all. None of the key leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement suffered serious injuries. Even among those in the government, no one was shot."

"Yet, those of us who were injured have received no recognition from the National Citizens’ Committee. The government is showing no real intention to rehabilitate us," he added.

Saiful demanded the government step down immediately and call for elections due to its failure to deliver on promises.

Psychological Trauma
Professor Dr. Sayeedur Rahman, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant, yesterday told journalists that "Due to the trauma of the movement, the injured protesters are experiencing periodic outbursts of anger. Our mental health support system is not equipped to handle such large-scale PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) cases. Thousands of injured protesters are dealing with PTSD, which is why their anger resurfaces periodically."

"The injured have been hospitalized for 5-6 months, which has put immense psychological pressure on them. We acknowledge that we haven’t done enough to address their mental health needs. They have raised two main demands: first, categorizing the injured protesters through a proper discussion, and second, ensuring accurate classification in our official records. We have assured them that both demands will be considered. If anyone believes their category should be changed, we are open to scientific recommendations and adjustments."

Delayed Fund Distribution
Several injured protesters at NITOR revealed that although the government had promised financial assistance six months ago, they had not received the full amount. Through the July Foundation, they were supposed to receive 300,000 BDT each, but so far, they have received only 100,000 BDT. This has caused frustration among the injured.

Shahin Alam, a tenth-grade student from Pashalihata Multipurpose High School & College, told Views Bangladesh, "The allocation process is unfair. The same amount has been allocated for those with minor injuries as well as those who are severely injured. This system lacks balance."

Preferential Treatment in Medical Assistance
Shariful Islam from Sirajganj, who was shot by police on August 4, expressed his frustration, stating that only those with strong connections were sent abroad for treatment.

"Those who have close ties with the coordinators were sent abroad for advanced treatment, while others faced discrimination. This has caused great resentment among us," said rickshaw puller Fulchand Miah, another injured protester.

In response, NITOR’s Deputy Director Dr. Badiuzzaman said, "We are only recommending the most critical cases for treatment abroad. Recently, we listed five such individuals. However, we have no involvement in policy decisions."

What the Authorities Say
Government officials claim that the interim administration has taken several initiatives to rehabilitate and provide employment for those injured in the July-August anti-discrimination movement.

They stated that the government has developed a framework for the treatment, rehabilitation, and employment of the injured, which will soon be released as official guidelines. The plan includes lifelong financial support for those who lost their ability to work and a commitment to providing rehabilitation and advanced medical care for all injured protesters.