Incident at National Institute of Ophthalmology
The National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital in Dhaka is now treating four young men who lost their eyes during the July Movement and attempted suicide by ingesting poison. They were promptly transported to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital following the event, and they are currently safe.
Statement from the Hospital Director
Professor Dr. Khair Ahmed Chowdhury, the director of the National Institute of Ophthalmology, confirmed the incident. He said:
“The four patients who were injured during the July Movement and admitted here tried to take their own lives by drinking poison. We immediately sent them to Suhrawardy Hospital. Thankfully, their condition is now stable, and they are safe.”
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Why They Took This Step
Dr. Chowdhury also mentioned that a meeting was scheduled today at the hospital with the CEO of July Foundation. The CEO came to the hospital for this meeting. While the meeting was taking place, the four young men drank poison.
“It seems they did this to draw the attention of the CEO,” he added. “One of them recently returned from Singapore after receiving treatment.”
Where and When the Incident Happened
The incident took place in the hospital director’s office during the meeting around noon. After the poisoning, all four were rushed to the hospital without delay.
The names of the four affected young men are:
- Shimul
- Maruf
- Sagar
- Akhtar Hossain (Abu Taher)
What Actually Happened During the Meeting
It has been reported that the four injured youths went to meet the CEO of July Foundation during the meeting. They wanted to talk about their demands. But when the CEO asked them to wait, they became very upset and drank poison immediately in the room.
Doctors believe that they were carrying the poison with them beforehand, possibly planning this action in advance.
Their Complaints Against the Government
These four victims have expressed their deep frustration and pain. They said:
“Even after nine months, the government has not taken any real steps to give us better treatment or help us return to a normal life. We were given many promises, but nothing has happened. We feel completely abandoned.”
They claimed that no one has come forward to take responsibility for their medical care or rehabilitation.
Mental Health Condition of the Victims
Doctors treating them said that most of the injured patients are in poor mental health. They are worried about their future.
“They fear that if they are discharged from the hospital, they will face serious problems in their lives – both mentally and physically. That’s why they don’t want to leave the hospital,” said one of the doctors.
This incident shows the deep despair and mental trauma these young people are going through due to a lack of support and unfulfilled promises after their injuries. Their attempt to end their lives was a cry for help and attention from authorities.
Source: Samakal
