TL;DR:
- Bangladesh is importing corneas from Nepal to treat victims of the July 2024 movement that led to PM Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.
- At least 70 victims require cornea transplants, with the first two patients receiving treatment immediately.
- The initiative involves collaboration between Bangladeshi authorities, Seva Nepal, and other international organizations.
- The July movement, which began as a protest against job quotas, turned violent and resulted in numerous eye injuries from gunshots and clashes.
In a significant development, Bangladesh is importing corneas from Nepal to treat victims who suffered eye injuries during the July movement that led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Prof Khair Ahmed Choudhury, director of the National Institute of Ophthalmology, announced that corneas for two patients would arrive by Sunday afternoon on a Biman Bangladesh flight.
Speaking at a roundtable on “integrated approach of eye care services in humanitarian settings – lessons and best practices” organized by Orbis International and the Financial Express newspaper, Prof Choudhury said that many people suffered eye issues due to gunshots and other injuries during the movement. “But we don’t have enough cornea. Seva (a global nonprofit eye care organization) Nepal is helping us in this regard,” he stated.
After the program, Prof Choudhury told Dhaka Tribune that at least 70 victims of the movement would require cornea transplants. “It will take time to prepare them for grafting cornea. These two patients are ready, and that’s why we are doing that right now,” he said, adding that Seva of Nepal would help them with corneas for all the patients.
The roundtable event was attended by several prominent figures, including Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, President of Ophthalmological Society of Bangladesh Prof AHM Enayet Hussain, Country Director of Orbis Dr Munir Ahmed, and Editor of the Financial Express Shamsul Huq Zahid. Shiabur Rahman, head of online and digital content of the Financial Express, moderated the event.
The July movement, which began in June 2024, was a response to the Supreme Court of Bangladesh reinstating a 30% quota for descendants of freedom fighters in government jobs. The protests, initially focused on quota reform, spread nationwide and turned violent, leading to clashes with police and several casualties. The movement ultimately resulted in the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
As Bangladesh continues to grapple with the aftermath of the July movement, the initiative to bring corneas from Nepal to treat the victims is a crucial step towards providing necessary medical care and support to those affected by the violence. The collaboration between Bangladeshi authorities, Seva Nepal, and other organizations highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing humanitarian crises and ensuring access to essential healthcare services.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
