Nearly blinded in police action, Siddiqur going to India on Thursday for treatment

Siddiqur Rahman, a college student on the verge of losing his eyesight after being hit by a tear shell fired by police, will be taken to Chennai for treatment on Thursday.

He would undergo ophthalmology tests at Sankara Nethralaya, Health Minister Mohammed Nasim told reporters on Tuesday.
 
Nasim visited Siddiqur at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital or NIOH at Dhaka’s Agargaon where the Government Titumir College student was currently being treated.
 
The government would help to rehabilitate Siddiqur following his return from India, he said. 
 
“The DG of NIOH told me that Siddiqur’s left eye is still functional. The health ministry will oversee his treatment and bear all costs,” the minister told reporters outside the hospital. 
 
Siddiqur, a third-year student of political science, was injured during a demonstration by students of seven Dhaka University-affiliated colleges at Shahbagh last week.  

A clash began when police blocked their protests, and eventually charged baton and fired tear shells to disperse the students who were asking the authorities to schedule their exams. 

Siddiqur was seen collapsing on the street, pressing his face with two hands after being hit by a tear shell.

He had gone through surgery at the hospital on Saturday after which the doctors said 'he would not be able to see again'.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police has already formed a committee to investigate the incident and assured action against those responsible. The inspector general of police also gave assurances for a proper investigation.   

“Proper steps will be taken for whoever caused this due to overexcitement. But the priority right now is Siddiqur’s full recovery,” Nasim said in response to a question.