Satkhira: Abdullah Al Faruque, a resident of Alipur village in Satkhira Sadar Upazila, is battling for his life losing an eye and sustaining multiple serious wounds across his body during the 2024 July Uprising.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Faruque lost his right eye and sustained wounds after being attacked by Awami League (AL) members while returning home from a victory procession. The procession marked the fleeing of Sheikh Hasina from the country on August 5, 2024, amidst the student-people uprising.
The 48-year-old businessman remains in critical condition despite extensive medical treatment. Faruque, a father of two daughters, is the third son of 80-year-old cancer patient Golam Sarwar and 65-year-old Salima Khatun. His elder daughter, Fariya Akter, studies Computer Engineering in Germany, while his younger daughter, Fahmida Akter, is finishing her studies at Khulna Mangrove Polytechnic College. His wife, Mahmuda Akter Lipi, is a housewife.
Faruque recounted the attack, stating that ‘Awami terrorists’ assaulted him near the Bakal Checkpost area. He was returning home after the victory procession when 11 Awami League members, led by Alipur Union Awami League Secretary Zia, blocked his path. They inflicted severe injuries, stabbing him in various parts of his body, including his head, forehead, neck, back, and right eye.
Pedestrians informed Faruque’s family of his condition, and he was initially taken to Satkhira Medical College Hospital. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was transferred to Khulna Medical College Hospital and then to Popular Medical College Hospital in Dhaka on August 6. Faruque spent a week in the ICU in an unconscious state, regaining consciousness after eight days and receiving treatment for a month.
Faruque expressed his pain and financial struggles, having spent all his savings on medical expenses. He lamented the loss of his wholesale vegetable shop and a small shop at home and mentioned his father’s lung cancer, which has added to the family’s distress.
His mother, Salima Khatun, tearfully recalled being unable to see her son in the hospital due to the severity of his injuries. She expressed gratitude for his survival, attributing it to divine mercy. Faruque’s father, Golam Sarwar, despite his illness, was overwhelmed with emotion and unable to comment.
Faruque’s wife, Mahmuda Akter Lipi, shared her frustration over their current situation, highlighting the risk to their daughters’ education and the lack of support from the government or private organizations. She called for justice and necessary support for her husband, urging authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable.