July fighters' suicide attempt

During the July Uprising in Bangladesh, thousands of young people and ordinary citizens mobilised across the country, demanding freedom, justice, and the resignation of Sheikh Hasina's government. But while they braved bullets and batons, few anticipated the prolonged suffering that would follow. Many of the injured continue to endure untreated eye injuries, brain trauma, fractures, and permanent disabilities. Despite seeking help from both public and private hospitals, they have been denied adequate care. Some have died; others have been driven to the brink of despair.

Nine months on, repeated appeals to government ministries and advisors have gone unanswered. Most recently, four youths who lost their eyesight during the protests attempted suicide at the National Institute of Ophthalmology, overwhelmed by the lack of treatment and rehabilitation support.

Unless urgent measures are taken, more lives may be lost. The government must immediately identify all injured protestors through district-level assessments and establish a national fund alongside dedicated medical support centres. Psychological counselling and long-term rehabilitation-including employment support-are also essential.

These protestors risked everything to demand a better future. The state must not abandon them now.

Nafiza Jahan

Student

Department of History

University of Dhaka

nafizajahan2003@gmail.com