A year after CU clashes, critically injured students still struggle to recover

Almost a year after violent clashes between Chittagong University (CU) students and local residents left hundreds injured, three severe injuries injured students are still struggling to return to normal life.

According to university data, around 400 students were injured during the clashes on August 30 and 31 last year. Among the critically injured were Sociology student Mamun Mia, International Relations student Imtiaz Ahmed and Islamic Studies student Naimul Islam, all of whom continue to face serious physical and financial challenges.

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Mamun underwent a major operation in which a portion of his skull was removed and preserved in a freezer. He later underwent another surgery to replace his skull. Although his physical condition has improved, he has yet to make a full neurological recovery. He took a year off from his studies and is now sitting for examinations with the assistance of a scribe.

This correspondent attempted to contact Mamun for comment, but his family said he was not in a condition to speak.

Naimul suffered a vascular injury and continues to attend classes and examinations despite ongoing health complications.

Imtiaz, despite being unable to attend regular classes due to physical illness, appeared in the examinations.

The university administration had initially assured the injured students that it would bear the full cost of their treatment. However, nearly a year later, the students say they have yet to receive full reimbursement of their medical expenses. They also claim that the medical committee formed to oversee their treatment was dissolved before their recovery process was completed.

The administration had also promised jobs to the critically injured students, but they say no visible progress has been made in that regard.

Imtiaz said he continues to struggle with even basic daily activities.

"My physical condition is extremely poor. I cannot stand for long. Doctors have advised me to use a walking stick. Because of nerve-related problems, my body suddenly jerks," he said.

He added that the administration had asked the injured students to apply for third-class government-style posts, but they had received no further communication about the recruitment process.

He also said a substantial portion of his medical expenses remains unpaid despite submitting all necessary bills and vouchers.

"Our medical committee has also been dissolved. Even after submitting treatment bills and vouchers to the administration, we have not received the full amount. A significant sum is still outstanding," he said.

Naimul said he continues to suffer pain in his hand and requires further treatment.

"The pain in my hand persists. I cannot lift heavy objects, and it is particularly severe in the morning. I still need medical treatment, but I do not have the financial means to continue it," he said.

He added that he is still paying for his medicines out of his own pocket.

Contacted, Professor Shahadat Hossain of the Finance Department, who headed the university's medical committee, said the committee had already submitted an account of treatment-related expenses to the administration and that any further action now rests with the university authorities.

"The committee was formed specifically to deal with the emergency situation arising from the incident," he said.

Responding to the students' complaints, CU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof Dr M Al-Amin said the university had extended financial and other forms of support to the injured students.

"The university has made considerable efforts to cover their expenses and provide assistance. So, when someone says we are not providing this or that, it is painful for us. Over the past year, we have tried to ensure they receive all possible support and facilities," he said.

Case and bail

Following the clashes, Abdul Rahim, deputy registrar of the university's Security Division and its chief security officer, filed a case with Hathazari Model Police Station on behalf of the university.

The case named between 95 and 98 people and accused another 800 to 1,000 people anonymously.

Police and the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) later arrested 11 people in connection with the clashes. But all of them are now out on bail.

Hathazari Model Police Station Sub-Inspector Rokon Nath said the case was still under investigation.

“Eleven people were arrested in the case. All of them are currently out on bail,” he said.

Asked, CU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Al-Forkan said he was not fully aware that all the accused had secured bail.

“If they have been granted bail, it was the court that granted it. Our case is still ongoing. Once the court grants bail, there is little we can do,” he said.

Regarding the injured students, he said the administration had always been providing them with support and would continue to do so.