What happened to the collapsed girl in viral protest video?

A video recently circulated widely on social media depicting a young girl collapsing to the ground during protests related to the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

Many shared the 18-second clip, claiming that the student had lost her life in police firing.

It was revealed that the incident occurred on 18 July in Bogura city’s Bir Sreshtho Square area during the protests. And the girl in the video was identified as Nusrat Zahan Zerin.

However, contrary to the initial rumours, Zerin did not die. She was injured by rubber bullets and lost consciousness on the street.

Zerin, a second-year student at Shanto-Mariam University in Dhaka, recounted her experiences of that day to TBS at Government Azizul Haque College in Bogura.

She said she is still alive and well. During the Anti-Discrimination Student protests, she had traveled to Bogura for family reasons.

She said on 18 July, she had ventured out of her home to the Thana intersection area of the city, defying her parents’ wishes, to join the student procession. The procession was headed towards the Satmatha area, the heart of the city. Zerin was shot while going there.

She described the atmosphere at the time, saying, “Back then [around 18 July], the movement had widespread public support. After reaching the Sadar Police Station, we were halted by the police. After passing the Asia Hotel, we were blocked by law enforcement forces again.”

“After crossing the police barricades, we entered the Satmatha area. From there, we headed towards Bogura Zila School to check if anyone was trapped. As we advanced, tear gas and rubber bullets were fired at us, causing us to disperse. But I tried to stay,” Zerin recounted.

“When the tear gas and rubber bullets started coming at us, I tried to retreat. Two bullets hit me near my kidney. I was also struck by a tear gas shell, which caused me to collapse on the street,” she said.

Protesters quickly rescued her and took her to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College and Hospital in Bogura.

“After being rushed to the hospital, it was told that I cannot be treated there. My oxygen levels were plummeting,” Zerin told TBS.

“Later, I was taken to another hospital. Upon regaining consciousness, I learned that the internet had been shut down nationwide,” she added.

“The internet blackout fueled rumours of my death. Many believed it to be true. However, after my recovery and the restoration of internet access, I worked to dispel these rumors by confirming that I was alive,” she said.

Zerin stated that she is now fully recovered and experiencing no physical complications. “We have achieved a victory for people from all walks of life. We are grateful to everyone.”

Regarding the recent resurfacing of the video, she urged, “We are receiving new footage of the horrific attacks on protesters. Everyone should verify the authenticity of these videos before sharing them.”