Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum faced strong protests on Wednesday while visiting victims of the July-August mass uprising at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.
After the incident, the protesters took to the streets, demanding proper treatment and fast release of the funds from the July Smriti Foundation for them.
Sources said that Nurjahan Begum and the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, visited the injured patients at NITOR.
When they attempted to leave the hospital hurriedly after talking to a few injured, the other injured victims protested and blocked her car on the hospital premises, according to witnesses.
At that time, a member of the adviser’s protocol was accused of pushing a patient, sparking chaos among those present.
Witnesses said that Nurjahan Begum spent over two and a half hours inquiring about patients on the hospital’s fourth floor. As she exited, journalists requested a statement. At that moment, bystanders were asked to move aside; however, someone reportedly attempted to clear the way by force, further escalating the situation.
In protest, the injured left the hospital and took to the street, halting traffic movement that caused traffic congestion in surrounding areas.
Several protesters said they are not receiving the promised medical care. They also noted that the funds
allocated for their treatment have not been disbursed.
Mohammad Hasan, who was receiving treatment on the second floor of the hospital with bullet wounds, said the health adviser and her team arrived around noon and went directly to the third floor, where they spoke with only a few of the injured.
“At least 42 of us are receiving treatment on the second floor, but the adviser was leaving without visiting us, which sparked frustration among the injured,” he added.
In response, the injured patients — some in wheelchairs and others leaning on crutches — moved outside the hospital to begin their protest. Upon hearing the news, those injured during the mass uprising who are receiving treatment in nearby hospitals joined the protests as well.
Nur Hasan, one of the protesters, said, “The adviser took an oath and received all her privileges because of the sacrifices of martyrs and those of us who were injured, yet her behaviour toward us shows disrespect.”
“She didn’t even try to check on the injured or inquire about the support we’re receiving. Her visit seemed more like a publicity stunt,” he added.
As tensions rose, the health adviser and the British high commissioner attempted to exit the hospital grounds. However, the injured patients and their supporters gathered around their vehicle, blocking their way.
Some protesters sat in front of the adviser’s car, and one was seen climbing onto it. Eventually, with the help of hospital staff and doctors, Nurjahan Begum managed to exit in a different vehicle, followed by Sarah Cooke, who also departed safely.
The Health Ministry later said that due to the tense situation, the Health Adviser could not speak to the press but will address the media later.
