Abdur Rashid, a day labourer from Katapara, Dinajpur, was shot during the anti-government protests while accompanying his pregnant wife for a routine check-up at Dinajpur 250-bed General Hospital on August 4.
As he stepped out to collect a ticket, violence erupted inside the hospital, and Rashid was shot multiple times.
Rashid initially received treatment at the hospital but left with his wife out of fear of further attacks.
When his condition worsened, he was admitted to M Abdur Rahim Medical College Hospital in Dinajpur on August 8, where he underwent surgery and was placed in the ICU. The next day, his wife, Rokeya Begum, gave birth to a baby girl at home.
Despite receiving hospital treatment, Rashid incurred medical expenses amounting to Tk36,000 for medicines and surgical equipment. The family, already struggling, faced severe financial hardship as Rashid, unable to work, has no home of his own and lives in an abandoned house. In desperation, Rokeya sold their newborn daughter for Tk25,000, hoping to fund Rashid’s treatment.
Rashid’s condition remains critical, with bullets and shrapnel still lodged in his body. Doctors have advised further surgeries, but the family’s financial situation has made it impossible to cover the costs.
"I feel terrible about selling my child, but I had no choice," said Rokeya. "My husband needs more surgeries, and I have to run the family. The doctor said he may never recover fully. I have two daughters to worry about now — one with me and one being raised by another family who will care for and educate her."
Rashid, recounting the shooting, said: "I was only at the hospital with my wife. I had no involvement in the protests. Now, I’m living in constant pain. My wife is doing her best, but we are struggling to afford the medicines I need. I want to live and recover."
Dr Abdus Salam, head of Surgery at M Abdur Rahim Medical College Hospital, confirmed that Rashid is receiving free medical care and that the hospital provides medicines and equipment supplied by the government, though some items have to be purchased from outside.
The hospital’s Director Dr ATM Nuruzzaman said: "We have treated 182 people injured in the protests. Many have recovered and gone home. We continue to provide medical advice for those still in need."
Dinajpur Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Faisal Raihan added: "We are taking steps to reunite the child with her mother."
