Dhaka: Health and Family Welfare adviser Nurjahan Begum today revealed that 864 people were killed and 14,000 others injured during the July mass uprising. The adviser made this public at a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy, where she provided details about the overall treatment of those injured during the uprising.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, many patients were found without eyes, limbs, or hands when the adviser and her team visited hospitals after taking charge. Nurjahan Begum emphasized the challenges faced in creating a database to document the casualties, noting that some individuals used pseudonyms or incorrect phone numbers, complicating the process.
Nurjahan Begum confirmed that 864 people have been martyred, and over 14,000 have sustained injuries. She mentioned that some cases are still undergoing verification, and without this, assistance cannot be provided. Speaking about the support for the injured and deceased, she explained that the primary responsibility was to ensure treatment for the injured and support for families of the deceased. The Chief Adviser established the 'July Smriti Foundation' to provide ongoing assistance.
The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs decided to provide Taka 3 million to each martyr's family, a process that has already started. Injured individuals will receive health cards, entitling them to free lifetime medical treatment. Nurjahan Begum highlighted that some injured people were initially denied treatment by hospital authorities, an issue that was brought to the attention of the chief adviser.
To address these issues, expert committees were formed in each hospital to determine if patients needed better treatment abroad. Some critically injured individuals were transported by air ambulance. The adviser noted that there was no air ambulance service in the country, necessitating arrangements from abroad, and difficulties initially arose in arranging payment due to foreign currency reserve concerns at Bangladesh Bank.
So far, 40 people have been sent abroad for treatment, with most returning home. Eight more patients are scheduled to be sent abroad. Additionally, plans are underway to send 21 patients to Turkey and 31 to Pakistan. The adviser emphasized the need for greater support, particularly for the 700 individuals who have lost their eyesight.
To address the lack of facilities for treating mental trauma, Nurjahan Begum announced that the Chinese government will gift Bangladesh a 1,000-bed hospital to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, to be set up in Rangpur.
Former Senior Secretary of the Health Services Division, Muhammad Humayun Kabir, detailed the identification process led by district committees. He acknowledged the challenges and emphasized efforts to ensure only genuine victims are included in the support programs.
Director of the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital, Dr. Abul Khair, reported a significant rise in patients with bullet injuries during the uprising. He noted that the institute provided extensive care to prevent eye damage, with surgeries arranged rapidly in collaboration with other medical institutions.
The press conference was attended by various officials, including Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Health Services Division Secretary Md. Saidur Rahman.