The family of Taibur Rahman, a promising science student at Barishal Islamia College, is struggling with emotional and financial distress following his injuries sustained during the anti-discrimination student movement.
Taibur, a tenant in Barishal’s Kaunia housing area, was shot on August 4 during a clash between students and police in the Syed Hatim Ali College Chowmatha area.
He sustained injuries to his head, arms, legs, and back.
Initially rushed to Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Taibur’s condition required more advanced treatment, prompting his transfer to Dhaka. Unfortunately, a shortage of beds at both the Pongu and NeuroScience hospitals left him without immediate care.
With assistance from the local administration, he was eventually admitted to the Combined Military Hospital in Sheikh Hasina Cantonment, Lebukhali. Despite his injuries, Taibur discharged himself on September 22 and returned to Dhaka for coaching classes due to upcoming admission tests, staying at his paternal aunt’s house.
Taibur’s father, Mainul Khan, who runs a small tea and biscuit shop in their hometown of Satraj village, Barishal Bakerganj Upazila, has been bearing the brunt of his son’s medical expenses. Mainul’s small business capital has been completely drained in the process.
“Even after spending huge money from my small business, I could not make my son fully cured till now,” he said. Although the interim government provided some financial support for the treatment of injured students, Mainul says it has fallen short, leaving the family to cover much of the cost on their own.
Taslima Begum, Taibur’s mother, who is a housewife, expressed similar concerns. With her elder son still struggling to recover and her younger child dependent on themthe family, their future looks bleak.
“I wish the interim government that, as my son is brilliant, so the government should take responsibility for his future employment,” Taibur’s mother requested.
Despite his critical condition, Taibur remains firm in his dedication to the student movement. “I am and will remain with the anti-discrimination student movement whether I get anything in life or not,” he said. “I am also a student. So, the question of going outside the student-society never arises. I want to support my family by doing a good job during or after my studies,” he added.
