Properly treating eyesight issues of Sitakunda fire victims

The BM Container Depot blast in Sitakunda is one of the worst tragedies we have experienced in recent history. So far, at least 47 people have reportedly lost their lives, and more than 400 have been injured. After the explosion, everyone tried their best to stand by the fire victims by donating blood, medicines and food. What is, however, alarming is that a number of burn victims are feared to have lost their eyesight completely or developed problems with their eyesight in the long run. As most of them came into contact with hydrogen peroxide, their cornea can reportedly be damaged in the future. It is also feared that local people living in the area might also develop eyesight problems as the air there was filled with hydrogen peroxide.
This suggests that sufferings of the victims will only increase unless proper attention is given to their treatment. The authorities concerned should place the issue of treating the injured on their priority agenda. The owners of the depot should also contribute to their treatment and rehabilitation.

Fariha Tabassum Piya,
Student of Department of Management,
University of Dhaka, Dhaka,
f.tabassum36@gmail.com