Mahbub Alam. Photo : BSS

NARAYANGANJ, Feb 11, 2025 (BSS) – Photographer Mahbub Alam has 
sought the government's assistance for better treatment as he lost eyesight in 
police firing during the July-August uprising, which led to the downfall of dictator-
fascist Sheikh Hasina.

"Due to police firing during the student-people movement in July last year, I lost sight in both 
my eyes. After contacting a number of physicians abroad, I came to know that, the treatment of my eyes can be done in 
America. If the government helps me in this regard, I will be able to get back my 
eyesight," said Mahbub in a recent interview with BSS at Chashara in 
Narayanganj.   
  
Born in the family of Mashiur Rahman-Hamila Begum, Mahbub lives with his 
family at Mission Para village in Fatullah under Narayanganj Sadar Upazila.

The 29-year-old Mahbub is the only son of father Mashiur Rahman, 65 and 
mother Halima, 50. He also has two daughters- Samia, 20 and Fatema, 15.

While talking to his family, Mahbub’s grieving father Mashiur Rahman told BSS 
that his son was a very good student and he completed his master's degree in 
management from Tolaram College in Narayanganj.

"My son likes nature and photography. He has a Facebook page and Facebook 
group called 'Photosense'. He used to travel to different parts of the country to 
click attractive pictures of nature," he added.
 
Mahbub used to capture beautiful scenes on his camera, Mashiur said, adding that 
not only that, he had held several photo exhibitions at Ali Ahmed Chunka 
Library in Narayanganj.
 
Remembering his son's good old days, mother Halima Begum said: “On winter 
mornings, Mahbub embarked on a journey of taking picture at dawn. When I 
woke up, I saw that he was not at home."
 
Recalling those good old days of her son, she said:" Now, my beloved boy has 
been staying in the dark room for the past six months, spending his days and 
nights here. His life has turned upside down in front of my eyes."
 
Recalling that fateful day, Mahbub said, "I was not active in the movement from 
the beginning. But after Abu Sayeed was killed, I could no longer stay back 
home. I joined the street protest on July 18."

That day, people of all ages, including school and college students, were 
protesting in Chashara, he said, adding that suddenly, a person suffered from heat 
stroke in front of Prime Hospital, and I was trying to help him," he said.
 
Within a short time, the situation was heated as the police attacked the students, 
said Mahbub recalling the horrific scenario, adding: "At one moment, I entered 
the Hawkers Market with a few people so save myself from police firing."

"When the situation became calm, I tried to see what was happening there 
but at that moment, I was shot in the face. Blood started coming out from my eyes. 
After that, I could not see anything with my eyes," Mahbub recounted the 
heartbreaking moment.
 
Describing her son's physical condition, Halima Begum said, Mahbub’s face was 
hit by 40 pellets. Seven pellets damaged his left eye. Now, he lost his eye sight in 
both eyes as those pellets made internal damage to the nerve that connects his 
head and eye."
 
She said, "I have gone to all the good hospitals in the country to prevent him 
from going completely blind. I also went abroad, but doctors there did not give 
us much hope."
 
"We went to India for better treatment. After receiving treatment for 23 days 
there, we brought back Mahbub home with slight improvement in his condition," 
she said.
 
"As no sign of hope prevails to get back his eye sight, we went to Thailand also. 
The doctors fixed some parts of his eyes. But his eye sight did not return," she 
sobbed.
 
"My son still has severe pain in his eyes and head," said Halima Begum in tearful 
eyes.
 
"I have spent about fifteen lakh taka on my son’s treatment. But the doctors have 
not given me any hope. Meanwhile, my husband had a heart attack last Ramadan.

He was supposed to have an operation in July. But after this incident, he is busy 
with his son. He has also spent his medical money on his son. Mahbub's right eye 
was not shot and that is why, I have tried my best to fix this eye," Halima shared 
with her heavy heart.

Although Mahbub is disappointed, his father Mashiur Rahman sees a ray of hope 
centering his beloved son.

He said, "I have heard that Mahbub's eye treatment is available in America. But it 
is very expensive. If the government helps him, it is possible to restore Mahbub's 
eye sight through advanced treatment."

When asked about the donation, he said, "The July Shaheed Smrity Foundation 
gave Mahbub one lakh taka while the Deputy Commissioner gave twenty 
thousand taka."