A moment of hope and joy arrived for the family of Basit Khan Musa, a 7-year-old boy who was critically injured in the July 2024 uprising. Nine months after the tragic event that left him fighting for his life, Musa finally spoke the word “Mommy,” bringing immense joy to his mother, Nishamani.
Musa, who was shot in the head during political unrest in Dhaka’s Meradia Hat area on July 19, 2024, had been silent since the incident. His grandmother, Maya Islam, tragically lost her life in the attack, while Musa was left in critical condition. Despite his severe injuries, Musa’s recovery has been nothing short of miraculous, and recently, he uttered his mother’s name for the first time since the shooting.
Nishamani shared the emotional moment with the media:
“I keep asking him to say ‘Mommy.’ Sometimes he can, sometimes he can’t. But when he does say it, the joy I feel is beyond words. Even after hearing it again, my heart is full every time.”
This incident occurred on May 1, 2025, at 8 AM during a routine physiotherapy session. For Nishamani, this was more than just a word—it was a symbol of hope, perseverance, and the strength of a mother’s love.
On that fateful day in July 2024, Musa had stepped outside with his grandmother to buy ice cream when the political violence erupted. The gunshots that followed injured both Musa and his grandmother, with Maya succumbing to her injuries the next day. Musa was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) for further treatment.
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After the media reported on his condition, the government arranged for his treatment at Singapore’s National University Hospital in October 2024. Five months later, Musa returned to Bangladesh, where he continues to receive care at CMH. While Musa’s recovery is ongoing, the fact that he can now speak, even if only a few words, is a significant achievement.
Doctors and his family have expressed hope for his continued progress.Nishamani reflected on how her perspective has changed since the incident occurred. “Before, I would get annoyed when he would say ‘Mommy’ too much. But now, I just want him to run to me again, to say ‘Mommy’ repeatedly, to hug me as he used to. That simple word has become my greatest treasure.”
Musa’s journey is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the trauma and challenges, his recovery represents a beacon of hope not only for his family but also for those who have experienced similar tragedies. His mother’s unwavering faith and dedication to his recovery showcase the profound bond between parent and child, one that transcends even the greatest obstacles.
