Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum has said over 1,000 died during the recent student protests, which also caused more than 400 cases of blindness, with many losing sight in one or both eyes.
She said this during a visit to the Central Police Hospital in Rajarbagh on Wednesday.
The ministry later confirmed this information in a press release on Thursday.
The health adviser said: "We have been in contact with the Seva Foundation in America. For those who have lost their sight or have eye problems, we have sent their lists to the foundation. They have assured us that they will send doctors as soon as possible for treatment.
“Patients will be treated at the Isphahani Islamia Eye Institute, the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital, as well as in Chittagong Eye Hospital and Dinajpur."
During her visit, Nurjahan Begum also spoke with injured police officers in the surgery department and checked on their condition. She discussed medical services with hospital authorities and doctors.
Responding to journalists' questions, she said: “Many injured police officers are undergoing treatment, with some having sustained injuries to their legs and heads. There is also an injured student coordinator receiving treatment."
“The government has pledged to take responsibility for the families of those who have died and to provide free treatment for the injured," she added.
“Some have had severe leg injuries and even had to have their legs amputated. We are in discussions with various donor organizations and the World Bank to bring in a team of doctors from abroad for proper treatment. We are making efforts in this regard,” she said.
