The DOCTORS of the July Uprising -Dr. M. R. Sa’ad
The July Uprising marks an unforgettable chapter in the history of Bangladesh. The unrest began in early July over a controversial job quota system, where students from various universities strongly demanded reforms to the discriminatory structure. By mid-July, members of Chhatra League, the student wing of the ruling Awami League, brutally attacked and injured unarmed student protesters at Dhaka University. The murder of Abu Sayed and other individuals by law enforcement agencies further intensified the peaceful assembly into a nationwide movement of anger and defiance.
In an effort to suppress the uprising, the government cut off internet services across Bangladesh, attempting to stifle communication and coordination among protesters. Violent and intense clashes erupted between unarmed demonstrators and armed police, supported by Awami activists. The situation escalated when the government imposed a strict curfew with shoot-on-sight orders, leading to widespread casualties.
Local private hospitals and clinics played a crucial role by providing initial treatment to injured protesters. As the unrest grew, the casualty numbers overwhelmed emergency and trauma departments in tertiary hospitals in Dhaka and other major cities. These facilities were inundated with protesters suffering from gunshot wounds, pellet injuries, rubber bullet impacts, and even live ammunition. Medical officers in these overburdened hospitals recruited doctors from other departments to assist in managing the surge of patients. Scheduled surgeries were postponed to prioritize the influx of critically injured individuals.
Non-governmental medical organizations and blood banks formed rapid response teams and emergency information centers. These teams, consisting of doctors, nurses, and medical students from various institutions, worked tirelessly to provide blood transfusions and life-saving surgeries. Space constraints forced doctors to treat patients on hospital floors and balconies. Despite the overwhelming challenges, medical professionals showed extraordinary resilience and dedication.
Meanwhile, the government issued warnings to hospital authorities, instructing them not to disclose the actual death toll to the media. Dead bodies with lethal bullet wounds were discharged without proper documentation, raising suspicions of an effort to suppress the extent of the casualties.
The ruling regime’s operatives created chaos inside hospitals, obstructing the work of doctors and medical staff. Despite constant threats and pressure from higher authorities and ruling party activists, doctors continued treating injured protesters non-stop across the country. Many injured demonstrators avoided seeking emergency medical support due to the presence of law enforcement and ruling party supporters outside hospitals.
To overcome the lack of rapid transport and ambulance services, some doctors transformed residential buildings into makeshift clinics with the help of local residents. These temporary clinics became lifelines for protesters who could not access conventional healthcare facilities. Furthermore, doctors who actively supported the movement were forcibly relocated to remote areas by the government as a means of silencing them.
Beyond providing medical care, patriotic doctors and medical students staged a protest at the Shaheed Minar on August 3, demanding justice for the victims of the uprising and the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Their demands were met on August 5, when Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country.
Following the formation of a new interim government, doctors and nurses continued to care for severely injured and disabled protesters with utmost dedication. Many private hospitals waived medical expenses for the injured, offering treatment free of cost. The July Uprising remains a vivid and defining moment in Bangladesh’s history, underscoring the pivotal role of healthcare professionals.
The rehabilitation and care of the brave warriors of the July Uprising remain pressing issues. Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals emerged as the unsung heroes of this movement, showcasing unparalleled courage and commitment. Moving forward, it is hoped that medical professionals in Bangladesh will not only provide healthcare but also play a central role in shaping a more equitable and anti-discriminatory future for the nation.
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