Physical victims of July upturn blocked road with 7 demands

Physically injured protesters from the mass upturn in July last year have blocked roads beside Shishu Mela intersection in Dhaka’s Shyamoli, demanding improved medical treatment. The demonstrators relocated from outside the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation, or NITOR, commonly known as Pangu Hospital, to the intersection around noon on Sunday (February 2).

As a result, traffic has come to a standstill on both sides of Mirpur Road, as well as on the road from Shyamoli to Agargaon, causing severe disruptions for commuters, reports bdnews24.com.

On Saturday evening, the injured individuals, who are receiving treatment at Pangu Hospital and the National Institute of Ophthalmology, took to the streets after 10:00 pm, alleging that their demands were being ignored.

By Sunday morning, they blocked both sides of the road near Pangu Hospital with benches, chairs, and bamboo poles.

Some of the injured even lay down on the road with their bedding, leading to a complete halt in traffic from Shishu Mela to the Agargaon traffic signal.

At around 11:30 am, the protesters moved to the Shishu Mela intersection, making the traffic situation worse on Mirpur Road.

Korban Sheikh Hillol, a leader of the movement, said on Saturday evening, "Today, foreign doctors examined us and gave their opinions. Their findings indicate that the physical conditions of those sent abroad for treatment are similar to ours."

"We discussed the issue with our student representatives, but they are not paying any attention. That is why we have taken to the streets again," he added.

Hillol also said, "No one is listening to us. We need proper medical treatment."

In November, the injured from the mass uprising launched a demonstration by blocking a road in demand of better treatment.

The interim government and the July Memorial Foundation have been providing financial assistance and overseeing their medical care.

However, the injured protesters claim they are not receiving proper treatment and that the aid they have received was "insufficient."

The demands of the injured are-

1. Full trial of those involved in the killing of the injured and martyrs among the fighters of the 24.
2. Arrest of the followers of the previous fascist government from various government positions without being removed.
3. Correct formulation of the categories of the injured.
4. Correct implementation of the rehabilitation process of the injured.
5. The highest quality medical care must be ensured for the injured.
6. The injured and martyrs must be given state honors and necessary legal protection.
7. Future security must be consolidated, including increasing the amount of financial assistance for the injured.