The father of Suraiya – the newborn who was hit by a bullet while still in her mother’s womb – has expressed his gratitude to the government after cabinet members visited his daughter at the hospital and provided financial assistance for her treatment.
Bachchu Miah, the father, also requested media to call her daughter by her name – Suraiya Begum – instead of mentioning her as the bullet-hit girl.
During the few days following the incident when the child had not yet been named, it was okay to mention her as the bullet-hit girl; but now the media should report her by her actual name, Bachchu said.
Talking to reporters following Health Minister Mohammed Nasim’s visit to the hospital to see Suraiya yesterday, the father thanked the doctors and the government leaders who had helped in the treatment of his daughter.
Nasim also expressed his satisfaction at the treatment being provided by the doctors, adding that the perpetrators of the crime must be brought to justice.
Earlier in the day, State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Meher Afroze Chumki also visited Suraiya at the hospital and handed over Tk50,000 to Bachchu on behalf of the government.
Dr Kaniz Hasina, an associate professor at the DMCH paediatric department who had been treating Suraiya, said the newborn baby’s health was gradually improving but she was still not out of danger.
Suraiya’s mother Nazma Khatun is also receiving medical treatment for her bullet wound at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Nazma saw her baby on Monday for the first time since she was born over a week ago, but could not hold Suraiya in her arms.
Suraiya was injured when her eight-month pregnant mother was shot in the abdomen during an attack by a Jubo League faction on another faction on July 23 in Magura, that left one killed and another person injured.
The bullet went through the unborn baby’s right shoulder and damaged her right eye. She was born after a three-hour long operation at Magura General Hospital.
As of yesterday, six of the accused have been arrested by the police and Rapid Action Battalion.