6-year-old, who was shot while in her father's arms, dies

Six-year-old Riya Gope, who sustained bullet wounds while in her father's arms during massive clashes over the quota reform protests in Narayanaganj on July 19, has died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).

It was learned that Riya was playing on the roof of their house in Narayanganj Sadar on July 19. As clashes broke out outside, her father, Deepak Kumar Gope, rushed to the roof and took her on his arms. But suddenly, a bullet hit Riya's head.

At first, Deepak, a businessman by profession, took Riya to a local clinic. But, later, she was shifted to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital and doctors conducted a surgery on that night. After that, the baby girl had been kept at the ICU of the hospital.

She succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday (July 24) after battling for life for five days.

As the news spread, a pall of gloom descended on the entire neighbourhood of Nayamati in Narayanganj. Riya was the only child of Deepak couple.

TF