July-August uprising: Taibur’s treatment halted, study at risk as father’s tea shop closes

Five years ago, Mainul Khan’s home was swallowed by the river. With nowhere else to turn, he built a small house on borrowed land and started running a tea shop to support his family in Dudhal union, Bakerganj upazila, Barishal.

Despite their hardships, Mainul ensured his elder son, Taibur Rahman, continued his education. After Taibur secured good results in his SSC exams, he was admitted to Islamia College in Barishal city. But on 4 August, everything changed.

“I’m a science student, and my HSC exam was approaching,” Taibur recalled. “Suddenly, protests erupted across the country. At first, I didn’t know what to do. But when I saw many of my classmates injured and heard that people were dying in Dhaka, I couldn’t stay at home. So, I joined the movement.”

On 4 August, leaders and activists of the then ruling party clashed with protestors. “We marched towards Syed Hatem Ali College Chowmatha, heading towards Bottola. As I reached Forrester Bari Pool area, I fell under fire from the opposite direction,” Taibur said.

After being shot, Taibur’s treatment began using the money his father had saved from the tea shop. “Two pellets were extracted from my head at Lebukhali cantonment hospital, but there are still five more in my head and seven or eight on my back. My treatment stopped, my study stopped. I am currently staying at my aunt’s house in Dhaka,” Taibur explained his situation.

“I’ve heard that many people are receiving government assistance for treatment, but no one has inquired about me,” he added. “My father did as much as he could, but now he’s destitute.”

Feeling abandoned by those he once stood beside in the movement, Taibur said, “I haven’t seen the faces of the people I stood with during the movement since it ended. It feels a bit sad that no one has checked in, but I don’t dwell on it because I joined the movement for the good of the country. I was always with the revolutionary students, and I will be there again if needed.”

Despite the challenges, Taibur expressed no desire for financial help. “I hear others have received help, but I don’t expect it. I just want people to know that I was part of the movement and did my part for the country,” he said.

Taibur, who studied at Islamia College in Barishal after achieving a GPA of 4 from Dudhal Adarsh Secondary School, is now uncertain about his future.

His mother, Taslima Begum, shared her anguish with TBS, saying, “Taibur hasn’t recovered yet. He’s sick in Dhaka, and we couldn’t arrange any further treatment. No one has even visited him for a single day.”

She appealed to the interim government, pleading that her son’s education should not be cut short and that his treatment should be arranged. “We’ve spent everything from the shop on his treatment. Now we’re living in poverty.”

Mainul echoed her plea. “My son was shot all over his body during the protests. Since 4 August, neither the government nor anyone else has visited us even once. We don’t know how his treatment will continue or if his education can go on. Meanwhile, I had to close my shop.”

Fighting back tears, Mainul added, “Our family is in complete disarray. I appeal to the government to at least provide treatment for my son and ensure his studies.”

Barishal Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahabub Ullah Majumdar told TBS that a list of martyrs from the protests has been prepared, but no allocation or instructions have come from the government to help the injured.

“If the injured are not treated, I will request them to apply. Social services or other funds will be used to assist promptly,” he added.