By Badal Nur

DHAKA, Oct 1, 2024 (BSS) – Md Shahin, a student of class IX of Polashihata High School and College in Fulbaria, Mymensingh, who was injured in the anti-discrimination student movement on August 5 is passing agonizing days in the hospital.

Sixteen-year-old Shahin said he came to Dhaka to take part in the movement. He actively took part in the movement from the very beginning. As he joined the joyous procession on August 5, following the downfall of the autocratic government, he was shot by memebers of law enforcement agencies.

While he was moving ahead with a procession in front of Uttara Azampur police station at 4 pm on August 5, police started indiscriminate firing at the protesters. At that moment, a bullet hit him below the knee of the left leg and he immediately fell on the ground.

Fellow students, participating in the movement, admitted him to the National Institute of Traumatology & Orthopaedic Rehabilitaion (NITOR) Hospital, popularly known as Pangu hospital and he is undergoing treatment there. Shahin said his left leg was fractured after he was shot by police.

With unbearable pain in his leg, Shahin looks frustrated and disappointed thinking about his future.

As he is undergoing treatment at Ward No. A, Bed No. 41of  the hospital, Shahin is eagerly waiting for his quick recovery and returning back home.

Shahin's village home is in Mymensingh's Fulbaria. His parents live in Khilkhet area of the capital to earn their livelihood. 

Critical injured by the police, Shahin said that he was involved with the anti-discrimination student movement. Shahin participated in the movement every day.

Thousands of students like Shahin were killed and injured in police firing for participating in the anti-discrimination student movement in the month of July-August.

Shahin said, “My father Abdul Jabbar is ill most of the time. My mother Shilpi Akhter runs the family working as house help in people’s house. 

When asked why he took part in the movement, Shahin said, “I participated in the movement out of patriotism. I feel proud as we brought the second independence for the country.”

Deputy Director of NITOR, Dr. Md Badiuzzaman said the injured in the anti-discrimination student movement are being treated with the highest priority in the hospital.

Resident doctor of the hospital Dr Rahat said a large number of injured students and mass people are receiving treatment in the hospital.