Md Bellal Islam - Photo : BSS

PATUAKHALI, April 2, 2025 (BSS) – Md Bellal Islam (20) was shot in both legs while participating in the anti-discrimination student movement. Although the bullets were removed, he is still unable to walk.

Due to financial hardship, his family struggles to afford even basic medicines, let alone advanced treatment. Therefore, Bellal is now passing days in a constant fear of permanent disability.

Bellal is a resident of Kalaiya village in Bauphal Upazila of the district. His father Md Alauddin Gazi is a CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver while his mother Mst Najma Begum is a housewife. Bellal is the younger of two siblings, with one elder sister.

“I have only one son, and now he is on the verge of being disabled after being shot in his legs. I spend my days worrying about how I will take care of Bellal for the rest of my life. In our poverty-stricken family, this loss is unbearable,” Najma told BSS tearfully.

She said after passing the HSC exam in 2022, Bellal could not enroll in a bachelor's (BA) programme due to financial constraints. However, determined to pursue higher education, Bellal moved to Dhaka six months before the students launched a campaign demanding quota reform in government jobs.

Apart from working at a nursing home in the capital’s Rampura area to support his study, Bellal used to contribute to his family in the village until the tragic incident.

Talking to BSS, Bellal recalled the harrowing moment he was shot. Without informing his family, he joined the anti-discrimination student movement in solidarity with their demands. He actively participated in all student-led programmes until he sustained injuries.

On the morning of August 5, 2024, Bellal was shot at Merul Badda just opposite the BRAC University, just hours before the movement succeeded to over through nearly 16-year-long autocratic regime.

Bella recalled he collapsed on the ground as bullets struck both of his legs, marking the beginning of his painful struggle.

At that moment, some s bystanders rushed Bellal to a nearby hospital in Aftabnagar. However, due to an overwhelming number of patients, he could not be admitted there. Later, he was taken to a private clinic in the same area for treatment.

Upon hearing the news, Bellal’s elder sister, Akhi Akter, rushed to the clinic two days later. He was then taken to Multicare Hospital in Dhaka’s Basabo area, where doctors removed the bullets from his legs. On August 9, Bellal and his family returned to their village home.

Describing their financial hardship, Bellal said that his father is struggling to afford even basic medicines. Since the bullet that struck his right leg was not a rubber bullet or pellet, he now requires advanced medical treatment.

However, due to financial hardship, Bellal could not take proper treatment.

“I’m scared. How will I survive if I become disabled? Who will take care of me? My father is already sick, and I am their only son. What will happen to them? These thoughts keep me awake at night. Yet, I can’t even afford proper treatment,” Bellal shared his fears, his voice filled with uncertainty.

Bellal’s mother, Najma Begum, tearfully said, “When I heard he was shot, it felt like the sky collapsed on me. We are a poor family, and both his father and I are sick. My son is writhing in pain on the bed, yet we have no money for his proper treatment. We are in the worst situation.”

She said after Bellal was injured, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud was the first to provide financial assistance to them. Additionally, a few locals have contributed small amounts to support his treatment.

“I humbly request the government to take responsibility for my son and ensure his proper treatment,” Bellal’s mother made the plea in an emotion choked voice.

Calling upon the government for giving a job to her injured son, Najma said, “If my son gets a government job, we could live the rest of our lives with dignity. I urge the authorities to consider our request.”