Left in the dark
Nine months have passed since the July Uprising, yet its human toll continues to surface—survivors left scarred, jobless, and crushed by mounting debt. Among the most visible yet overlooked are those who lost their eyesight—many now living with permanent disability and fading hope.
Their stories go beyond physical injury. They reveal gaps in state support, bureaucratic delays, and a deeply unjust aftermath.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Visible Wounds, Invisible Burdens
Md Shahinur Miah was shot in both eyes during the uprising. Even after seven surgeries, one eye is completely damaged, and the other has only blurry vision. Formerly an auto-rickshaw driver and the sole breadwinner of his family, Shahinur now lives in darkness—both literally and economically. He sold his vehicle to keep his family afloat. "Sometimes, I feel like a burden," he said. "There are nights I think of ending it all."
He isn't alone. Md Mijanur Rahman Badol has undergone multiple operations and is burdened by growing debt, despite receiving some grants from the government and civil society. However, these funds are fragmented, delayed, and often inaccessible without relentless follow-up. Despite his growing debt, he still has to spend thousands just to reach Dhaka for treatment.
Their plight, though deeply personal, is tragically emblematic of the battles many other eye victims continue to face in the shadows—each carrying their own burden of pain, loss, and financial despair.
Akbar Ali, a former garments worker in Gazipur, lost complete vision in his right eye after being struck by rubber bullets. With a ruptured retina and no job, he now struggles to support a family of six.
Another victim, Syed Hasibun Nabi Raju, Savar correspondent for Maasranga Television, sustained gunshot injuries while covering the events of 5 August. He still has 92 pellets lodged in various parts of his body, including his eyes.
"I'm surviving with my left eye. My right eye is completely gone. Even with the left, I can only make out outlines—I can't recognise faces," he said.
Dr Khair Ahamed Choudhury, Director of the National Institute of Ophthalmology & Hospital (NIOH), explains the nature of these injuries: "Pellet or gunshot wounds to the eye often cause irreversible damage on the very first day. Recovery is slow and staged—many cannot expect full restoration."
Prof Dr Md Shafi Khan, Cornea Specialist and Phaco Surgeon at Bangladesh Eye Hospital & Institute, adds: "If the damage is minimal, vision may be recoverable—sometimes with a cornea transplant. But if internal structures are severely harmed, treatment is much more difficult and full recovery unlikely."
Caught in Bureaucratic Limbo
Multiple victims report not receiving promised hospital bill reimbursements, despite commitments made in February. One-time grants and monthly stipends were also announced, but as of May, remain only partially implemented. Victims were categorised by injury severity to guide relief efforts, yet many remain misclassified and denied appropriate support.
Md Shahinur, who lost one eye and has blurred vision in the other, was placed in Category B. He continues to petition for reclassification to Category A, but the process is slow and marked by poor coordination and little empathy.
Others, like Ashraful Islam, have paid out of pocket for their treatment and weren't even aware of the promised aid. "I was ill and couldn't collect information about the disbursement. Others got it, I didn't," he said.
This raises a crucial question: should victims, already suffering physically and mentally, be expected to chase down financial aid?
Kaniz Fatema Mithila, founder of Loraku 24 and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Aparajito 24 Foundation, highlights these structural gaps: "Many victims in rural areas are unaware of the newly announced health card facility and the financial aid they're entitled to."
Where Is the System?
Md Faruk Hossain, Joint Secretary and In-Charge of the July Mass Uprising Cell at the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, stated, "One-time allowances of BDT 2 lakh, out of the approved BDT 5 lakh, have already been disbursed to Category A and B victims in most divisions—except Chattogram and Rangpur."
He added that disbursement in those two divisions would begin the following week. "Monthly stipends will commence in July," he said.
For those with urgent needs, such delays only deepen their suffering.
"Frequent queries, incomplete victim information, and the absence of a streamlined system have caused delays—despite our best efforts," noted Md Faruk Hossain. "In many cases, victims cannot be reached even after multiple attempts. Limited formal education among some also complicates communication."
Instances of exploitation have also been anonymously reported: individuals with influential ties misusing relief funds, some patients overstaying in hospital beds to continue receiving benefits, and opportunists accessing support meant for the truly injured.
Worse still, threats persist. Victims like Ashraful say former ruling party supporters continue to harass them. "We're treated like traitors," he says. "We can't openly say we protested. We fear that when the political tide shifts, we'll be punished again."
The Dignity They Deserve
Every victim interviewed expressed the same needs: a monthly stipend, lifelong free treatment, and recognition. What they've received instead are fragmented support measures and delayed promises.
Md Mijanur now depends on loans from relatives. His most urgent need? A proper house. "I had to stop construction after losing my job. If the promised funds were released, I could have finished it."
Others, like Shahinur, are still fighting for basic dignity. "Correct my category. Give me the allowance. I'm not asking for luxury—just survival," he said.
The Time for Action Is Now
As the dust of political change settles, these victims remain caught in a humanitarian vacuum. A centralised rehabilitation programme, coordinated across ministries and grounded in transparency, is urgently needed.
While efforts may be present, the ongoing delays continue to compound the challenges. "Many issues have emerged now—injured victims are protesting, some getting aggressive," says Nusrat Jahan, student representative at CMH appointed by the Health Ministry. "This could have been avoided had prompt action been taken from the beginning."
"Delayed support and lack of coordination are pushing victims deeper into despair," says Mithila. "We need clear documentation, follow-up, and long-term planning—not just promises on press briefings."
Dr Choudhury echoes the call for long-term support: "These patients require lifelong care—treatment may continue for years."
Miftahul Jannat is a journalist at The Daily Star
Comments