An eye lost

A student of Rajshahi University (RU) has lost his right eye during an attack on students agitating against the fee hike and evening courses.

SM Nadim Mahmudbdnews24.com
Published : 18 March 2014, 06:36 AM
Updated : 18 March 2014, 09:21 AM

Akhtaruzzaman Rajib, a second year student of mass communication and journalism, was hit on his right eye by bomb splinters during the attack by activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) on Feb 2.

“Like others, I went to the campus that day to join the protests organised by the students. I could not imagine ending up as a victim of such an attack,” Rajib told bdnews24.com on Monday night.

“All of a sudden a handmade bomb exploded next to me in front of the administrative building when I was trying to escape the attack. Soon I realised blood was oozing out of my right eye.”

Some students rescued Rajib and got him admitted to the Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital (RMCH). From there, he was shifted to Rajshahi Eye Hospital a month later.

“Now doctors say I would never be able to see with my right eye,” he said.

Rajib was under the supervision of Dr Lutfur Rahman in the eye hospital.
Doctors said if Rajib received better treatment he would be able to see again with the eye -- but that would cost a lot.
Hailing from Barguna, Rajib is the youngest of his ten brothers and sisters.
“My father is more than 100 years old. He has already spent over Tk 50,000.
“It is not possible for him to bear the cost of treatment any more.”
Ayatullah Khomeni, coordinator of the demonstration against fee hike and evening courses and president of Chhatra Union of the university unit, described the incident as ‘truly unfortunate’.
“Rajib has not done any wrong. He joined the agitation of general students for which he has lost his eye.”
Khomeni said the university administration should bear the cost of his treatment and punish the attackers.
Tanvir Ahmed, chairman of mass communication and journalism department, said Rajib’s performance in the class was good.
“We are shocked to hear the news. He took the second year final test on Sunday with one eye,” Ahmed said.
He said the department teachers were contacting many people to collect funds for his treatment.
Student adviser Sadequl Arefin Matin said, “We announced that we would bear cost of treatment of those injured in the attack. Rajib has applied for financial help on Sunday.”
He said they could not take a final decision yet as the vice chancellor was now in Dhaka.
But the university administration would help Rajib to the extent possible, Matin said.
One can send money to Rajib at this account, Akhtaruzzaman Rajib Khan, Dutch Bangla Bank Limited, A/C No. 35-151-34172.
One can also contact Rajib at his cell number 01721532872.