Sunday | 12 January 2025 | Reg No- 06
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Sunday | 12 January 2025 | Epaper

I participate in movement to free country from fascism, says bullet-hit Pappu  

Published : Sunday, 22 December, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 1219
It was August 5 when the concrete roads were overlapped with blood while smell of gunpowder was in the air.

When the mass upsurge reached its peak, the anti-discrimination student movement called 'March to Dhaka' Programme that ousted autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina ending her nearly 16 years rule.

Virtually, Dhaka City turned into a centre point of all attention as protesters started gathering at different key points from early morning as part of the historic March to Dhaka programme.

On that day, a wave of protest had shaken Dhaka City with different anti-government slogans and one stage the longest autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina was forced to step down from office.

During the March to Dhaka programme, police launched massive crackdown on the protesters meaning many people embraced martyrdom and many demonstrators received bullet injuries.

Of them, Mehedi Hasan Pappu, 25, who is a driver by profession, was shot in the head. He, however, survived fortunately.

Mehedi was the second among three children of Motiur Rahman, 55, and Jesmin Akter, 42, couple who are residents of Rupadia Village under Sadar Upazila in Jhenidah District.

Mehedi had been working as a driver at Insight Electric Company for the last year.

Being inspired by the anti-discrimination student movement, Mehedi took part in the protest in Jatrabari area on August 5, and he got shot.

He was first taken to Delta Hospital, and later, shifted to Ad-Din Hospital for better treatment.

Recalling the day of August 5, Mehedi said, "As soon as we reached the Jatrabari area, police started indiscriminately firing at us; a man who was next to me received a bullet in his head and died on the spot."

"After that, another bullet hit my head…. Then I fell down on the ground and consequently became unconscious."

"When I got my senses back, I found myself on the bed at a hospital," he added.

Expressing a wish that the country should not be in the grip of a fascist government, he said, "Student-people thwarted a fascist government from the country… So, I want everyone to get the desired rights in the new Bangladesh."

"People of the country want a country that will be safe for its people… I hope the incumbent government will stand by the people, injured during the mass uprising, and ensure their proper treatment," he said.

Mehedi said, "I did not take part in the movement for my personal interest…When I realised that the country was getting destroyed, students were being killed. So, I took to the street to oust the fascist government and to build a discrimination-free country."

Describing his physical illness, Mehedi said, "Sometimes I feel numb… All things get puzzling for me; I don't understand what is happening to me."

"Sometimes, I do not recognize anyone…. I have to take medicine regularly. I cannot sleep all night due to severe pain," he said. Despite all the pain and agony, he has to continue driving to run his family.

Mehedi's father Motiur Rahman said in an emotion-choked voice, "When my son was shot, one of my friends informed me about the matter… At first I thought that my son might die…he could survive with the grace of almighty Allah."

"After Mehedi's bullet injury, we all remained in fear, apprehending that if police arrest us, what will happen to my family?" he continued.

Fearing all these, Mehedi came back to our native home in August, he said, adding, "Mehedi cannot sleep at night due to severe pain in his head."

Jesmin Akter, mother of Mehedi, said, "I am happy that God has saved my son; I do not want anything."

Mehedi still has to drive a car to run our family, she said, adding, "Mehedi has a five-month-old son… If something ominous happens, we will be hapless."

Expressing gratitude to the CEO of his company, Mehedi said, "Our CEO is a very kind-hearted person. Our company provided me with thousands of dollars to continue my treatment. My boss always takes care of me… He always helps me."

CEO of Insight Electronics Shafiqur Rahman said, "We always try to help our employees when anyone falls in trouble. We tried our best to help Mehedi after he received a bullet injury during the student-led mass uprising."

"We talked with doctors… Mehedi still has many health difficulties. If the government provides assistance, Mehehi can get improved treatment," he added.

Seeking prayers for the well-being of Mehedi, his mother said, "My son took part in the movement protesting torture and repression of the previous fascist government… It is a matter of consolation that the Awami-led autocratic government eventually has been ousted."

"I am proud of my son," she continued.    —BSS



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