DHAKA, Aug 26, 2024 (BSS) – Aminul Islam Emon, reporter of daily Bangladesh Samachar, who was shot by police during anti-discrimination student movement on July 20, is still in critical condition as his condition has deteriorated drastically.

After two major surgeries, Emon also had a heart attack yesterday and shifted to Coronary Care Unit (CCU) at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) leaving him dwindling between life and death.

“Two bullets pierced in the sensitive parts of Emon’s body along with a number of shrapnel shells in different parts. Two major operations have already been done but some shotgun shells are still remaining in some sensitive parts”, Emon's duty doctor told BSS.

"It will be impossible to save his life without advanced medical treatment and necessary logistical support", said Emon's wife adding, "After 37 days of ongoing treatment, Emon had a heart attack yesterday which triggered uncertainty again for his treatment".

On July 20, the police shot Emon directly even though he was wearing a press jacket with a hanging identity card on his chest at around 7:30 in the Malibagh Railgate area when he was filming the footage of police's attack on the protesting students.

One bullet penetrated Emon’s lower abdomen while another bullet went through his private part hitting the upper part of his leg.

 Apart from these, various parts of his body were hit by a number of shrapnel.

Considering him dead, the police man left Emon's unconscious body on the roadside. Later, locals took him to the DMCH.

After examining and finding him alive by doctor, he was shifted to the burn unit of DMCH where he regained consciousness after forty-eight hours of doctors' efforts.

Emon's wife Sumi Begum, along with her five children, has been struggling with her husband's treatment for 38 consecutive days as they have already spent a lot of money borrowed from relatives and acquaintances, but the critical condition is yet to go.

"We do not have enough money to carry out his required treatment. We got some financial assistance from BNP, Emon's personal friends and a couple of well-wishers but it's not enough for us", said Sumi.

"All of our five children are studying at different institutes. We have already sunk into huge loans. I do not know how I will manage money for his treatment or our livelihood", she added.

Emon, the son of deceased Hemayet Hossain of Badanibhanga village of Moralganj upazila of Bagerhat, lives in the Riverview area of Keraniganj with his family.

Emon's son Abdullah Al Uday who was an active member of the anti-discrimination student movement committee of Tejgaon College said his father was seriously injured in indiscriminate firing by the police while performing his professional duties.

Abdullah called upon all to come forward to ensure proper treatment as without advanced medical care and logistical support his father's treatment will become illusive.