Md Hasan, a 15-year-old student of class eight at Dhaka Ideal School in Jurain, is enduring painful days in the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (Nitor) Hospital after being injured during the anti-discrimination student movement on August 5.
Hasan, who is currently receiving treatment in Ward A, dreams of playing a vital role in shaping the future of the country. He is determined to dedicate his life to the welfare and development of Bangladesh after completing his studies.
Despite his aspirations, Hasan faces excruciating pain in his leg, where a bullet struck him during the protests. Doctors have informed him that full recovery will take several months, leaving him feeling depressed about his future.
Reflecting on that fateful day, Hasan recalled joining hundreds of students in a procession in the Jatrabari area of the capital. As they marched toward their goal, police set up barricades in front of the Jatrabari police station.
When the students ignored police orders and attempted to move forward, the police opened fire, resulting in Hasan being shot below the knee.
Army personnel on patrol rescued him from the scene and rushed him to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, where he underwent surgery and had five rods implanted in his leg. He later transferred to Pangu Hospital for further treatment.
Hasan said that many others injured during the anti-discrimination movement were also admitted to various hospitals across the capital.
Dr Md Badiuzzaman, deputy director of Nitor, confirmed that patients injured in the protests are receiving treatment with the utmost priority.
Hasan's father, Abdul Majeed, a rickshaw puller originally from Patuakhali, expressed pride in his son's involvement in the movement, saying: "Although my son was injured while taking part in the movement, I am proud that he, along with others, has struggled for the second liberation of our country."
Abdul Majeed hopes that Hasan will one day play a crucial role in building a better future for the nation.