Mistakes made sparked anger among July revolution patients: Farida Akhter

Mistakes and errors have sparked anger among the injured victims of the mass uprising, said Farida Akhter, adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. 

Speaking to reporters today (14 November) after a meeting with officials at the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute in Savar, she acknowledged the dissatisfaction of the wounded, who have been receiving treatment at various hospitals.

"The interim government, or the revolution that we achieved, led to a new Bangladesh," Farida Akhter began, highlighting the significant contributions of the martyrs. 

"However, the injured, who have been undergoing treatment since July, are still uncertain about their recovery. At NITOR, for example, it may take another 6-8 months for some to recover. The government intended to provide proper medical care, but there is certainly some resentment from the injured. We need to view this from their perspective, as there might have been errors from our side. It's possible that in trying to look after everything, mistakes were made."

She continued, "Seeing the injured on the streets, still in bandages, was hard for us to bear. Several of us went to the hospital at night to speak with them, and I stayed until the early morning speaking to the wounded. Due to various complications, many still haven't received compensation, and we're working quickly to address this."

July uprising victims end 13hr protest following assurances from advisers

Regarding the demands of the injured, she said, "They are not just seeking treatment. Many of them were the sole breadwinners of their families. Some even took loans to support their families, and now they are under pressure to pay back the debts. They are seeking rehabilitation, which is a very reasonable demand. We hope that we will come to a solution after a meeting later today.

"We do not want any negligence when it comes to the wounded from the mass uprising. We are indebted to them, and we will do everything we can to support them," she added. 

This comes amid rising tension as some victims of the July movement, dissatisfied with the government's response, had taken to the streets to demand better treatment and compensation. 

The protesters, some in wheelchairs and on crutches, had demanded Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum's resignation and better compensation. 

Tensions escalated when they blocked vehicles, including that of the British High Commissioner Sarah Cook, due to delays in financial assistance. 

The injured victims of the mass upsurge ended their 13.5-hour protest at NITOR at 3am today after four advisers from the caretaker government, including Asif Nazrul, Mahfuj Alam, Farida Akhter, and Asif Mahmud, acknowledged shortcomings in treatment and promised to ensure proper care. 

The advisers promised a meeting at the Secretariat to finalise a rehabilitation plan by December.