Manna slates govt, demands action against police for blinding student in protest rally

Nagorik Oikya Convenor Mahmudur Rahman Manna has criticised the government for promising a job in exchange for the two eyes of college student Siddiqur Rahman, who has been nearly blinded by the teargas shell fired by police during a protest rally.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 4 August 2017, 08:57 PM
Updated : 4 August 2017, 08:57 PM

Speaking at a demonstration in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka on Friday, he demanded "action against the policemen responsible for Siddiqur's blindness."

"You've destroyed his eyes over a small matter (of demanding exam schedule), and then sent him to India for treatment. And now you promise him a job!" he said.

"The police action was clear in the video, but the responsible officials are yet to face action," he added.

Police have formed a committee to investigate the incident, but no action has been taken yet.

Siddiqur, a student at Government Titumir College, was hit in the face by a teargas canister during a demonstration demanding exam schedules at Shahbagh on July 20.

After surgery, doctors at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital said Siddiqur was unlikely to regain his eyesight.

The government later sent him to India for better treatment at its own cost.

Health Minister Mohammed Nasim has said the government will ensure a job for Siddiqur even if he loses his eyesight.