Abdullah Al Faruque. Photo: Collected

SATKHIRA, April 3, 2025 (BSS) – Abdullah Al Faruque, a resident of Alipur village in Satkhira Sadar Upazila, is battling for his life losing his an eye and sustaining multiple serious wounds across his body during the 2024 July Uprising.

He lost his right eye and sustained wounds as he came under a brutal attack by Awami League (AL) men when he was returning home after attending a victory procession following the fleeing of Sheikh Hasina from the country on August 5, 2024 in face of the student-people uprising.

The 48-year-old businessman is now struggling with unbearable pain despite undergoing extensive medical treatment and remains in critical condition.

Faruque, a father of two daughters, is the third son of 80-year-old cancer patient Golam Sarwar and 65-year-old Salima Khatun among their six children.

Faruque's elder daughter, Fariya Akter, is pursuing a Computer Engineering degree at Hamburg University in Germany, while his younger daughter, Fahmida Akter, is in her final year at Khulna Mangrove Polytechnic College. His wife Mahmuda Akter Lipi is a housewife.

Faruque said he was attacked by “Awami terrorist” near the Bakal Checkpost area at night when he was returning home after attending a victory procession in the district town after Sheikh Hasina fled the country.

“I joined the victory procession in the afternoon after Sheikh Hasina fled the country in face of the anti-discrimination student movement at noon on August 5. When I was returning after the procession at night, 11 Awami League terrorists led by Alipur Union Awami League Secretary Zia blocked my path,” he said.

Faruque added: “They stabbed in various parts of my body, including my head, forehead, neck, back and right eye, causing serious wounds. They slashed my right eye. I immediately lost my conscience there”.

He said some pedestrians informed his family about his condition while they immediately rushed him to Satkhira Medical College Hospital. Later, he was transferred to Khulna Medical College Hospital, but as his condition deteriorated, he was moved to Popular Medical College Hospital in Dhaka on August 6.

“I was undergoing treatment at the ICU there (Popular Medical College Hospital) for a week in an unconscious state. I regained consciousness after eight days. I had to undergo treatment there for about a month,” Faruque recalled.

“Almighty Allah saved me. I was not supposed to remain alive, the way they have subjected me to inhuman torture,” he said in an emotion choked voice.

He is, however, still writhing in pain from injuries since he can't move properly.

 “I only have one eye. I am living a very difficult life now,” Faruque shared his anguish.

Mentioning that his financial situation has worsened as he spent all his savings on medical expenses, he tearfully said, “I had a wholesale vegetable shop in Sultanpur Market and another small shop at home.

 I have spent everything to meet my treatment cost.”

“I have no money left. Besides, my father is suffering from lung cancer. Our family is in deep distress,” now partially blind Faruque lamented.  

Recalling Faruque’s condition after being attacked, his mother, Salima Khatun, burst into tears.

“I wasn’t allowed to see my son in the hospital as the family members thought that I couldn’t bear the pain since his wounds were too severe. 

They only told me that my son was alive. But as a mother, I knew he was suffering,” she said in a sobbing tone.

Salima said she begged her son’s life from Almighty Allah. “It is the infinite mercy of the Almighty Allah that He has returned my son to my lap,” he wailed.

Faruque’s father Sarwar, despite his own illness, struggled to walk to this correspondent.

 But overwhelmed with emotion, he could only weep silently, but could not make any comment.

Faruq’s wife, Mahmudah Akter Lipi, expressed deep frustration. “We are leading a miserable life. Our daughters’ education is now at risk. We spent all our wealth behind my husband’s treatment,” she said.

 Lipi said they didn’t get any help from the government or private organizations.

She urged authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and provide her husband with necessary support.

 “Please, bring those, who tried to kill my husband, to book,” Lipi demanded.