By Badal Nur

DHAKA, Oct 2, 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.

With excruciating pain in his leg, Shaheen looks despondent thinking about his future, as the doctors said that it will take several months for him to fully recover.

Sixteen-year-old Shahin came to Dhaka to take part in the student-people movement. He actively participated in the movement from the very beginning. Recounting that fateful day, Shahin said as he joined the joyous procession on August 5, following the downfall of the autocratic government, he was shot by members 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 firing indiscriminately at the protesters. At that time, a bullet pierced his left knee and he immediately fell on the ground.
 
Fellow students, participating in the movement, rushed him to the National Institute of Traumatology & Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) Hospital, popularly known as Pangu Hospital, and he is currently undergoing treatment there. Shahin said his left leg was fractured after he was shot by police.

Lying on his bed in the hospital's Ward No. A, Shaheen is eagerly awaiting his speedy recovery and hopes to go home soon.

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

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 houses.”

When asked why he took part in the movement, Shahin said, “My love for the country has encouraged me to participate in the movement. I feel proud that through our sacrifices we have got independence for the second time.”

Deputy Director of NITOR, Dr. Md Badiuzzaman said people, who have been 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.