Abdul Latif, a 48-year-old shopkeeper from Lakshmipur district, is in critical condition at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) after being brutally attacked by Chhatra League and Jubo League activists.
The attack occurred during a celebratory procession following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Latif, the sole provider for his family, was severely injured on August 6 in Bhuiyan Haat, Char Ramich Union, Ramgati upazila.
As he participated in the procession, he was targeted by a group from Chhatra League and Jubo League, who attacked him with machetes, sticks, and rods, causing severe injuries including a large wound in his abdomen.
His intestines were exposed due to the continuous assault.
Local residents who witnessed the attack helped to stabilize Latif’s injuries with a cloth before he was rushed to a nearby Sadar hospital.
Due to the severity of his injuries, he was referred to DMCH and admitted at 11pm on the same day.
He underwent a lengthy surgery from 12:30am to 5:30am on August 7.
Latif’s wife, Bibi Asiya, expressed her anguish, stating that the family is struggling to cope with the financial strain caused by her husband’s inability to work. With Latif unable to walk and an uncertain recovery timeline, the family faces severe hardship. Their home in Lakshmipur has also been flooded, adding to their difficulties.
Asiya has appealed for financial support from the community to help her family through this challenging time.
The violence is linked to a larger political crisis involving student protests and violent clashes with political groups and law enforcement.
The recent unrest has led to widespread casualties, with over a thousand people reported killed in various incidents, including police shootings.
Following the "red movement" and "Bangla Spring," which led to significant unrest, Sheikh Hasina’s government was dislodged, and a 17-member interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus was sworn in on August 8.
