Written by Date: July 18, 2024 – Location: Dhaka –
Anick Howladar, a 20-year-old from Madaripur, was injured during a student protest in July 2023. He was shot multiple times in the face and head by police. As a result, he has lost significant vision in both eyes and suffers from severe headaches.
Short Biography:
Anick, the third of six children, had to drop out of school after the eighth grade due to financial constraints. He joined the protest at the behest of his friends who were students. On July 18th, he was shot while participating in the demonstration.
Medical Condition:
Anick has undergone multiple surgeries, but his vision remains severely impaired. Doctors have informed him that he may never regain full vision in his left eye and that his right eye has suffered significant damage. He also has metal fragments lodged in his skull, causing persistent headaches.
Financial Hardship:
Anick’s family is struggling to cover the costs of his medical treatment. His father, a rickshaw puller, is unable to work due to old age, and the rest of the family works low-wage jobs.
The Protest:
Anick joined the protest to demand reforms in the quota system for government jobs. The protests turned violent when they were met with resistance from ruling party supporters and law enforcement.
Seeking Justice:
Anick has filed a complaint against the police for their actions. However, he is still facing financial and medical challenges.
Reference:
xray report