Living with 7 bullets: months of excruciating pain Sujon

Before the revolution, Sujon was the only breadwinner in the family. Now he relies on others for basic mobility, facing a terrible reality as his family sinks deeper into poverty and insecurity

October 30, 2024, at 13:20

Last modified: October 30, 2024, 1:39 p.m

Once the family’s sole breadwinner, Sujon now relies on others for basic mobility, facing a dire reality as his family sinks deeper into poverty and insecurity. Photos: TBS

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Once the family’s sole breadwinner, Sujon now relies on others for basic mobility, facing a dire reality as his family sinks deeper into poverty and insecurity. Photos: TBS

Three months have passed since Khaled Mahmud Sujon, a 25-year-old from Lakshmipur, was shot on August 4 while participating in an anti-discrimination student movement.

To this day, seven bullets remain in his body, causing excruciating pain and paralysis on the left side.

Once the family’s sole breadwinner, Sujon now relies on others for basic mobility, facing a dire reality as his family sinks deeper into poverty and insecurity.

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Sujon’s family consists of his mother, father and older brother – both of whom have mental problems – and one younger sibling.

Since Sujon’s injury, their problems have only gotten worse, and they don’t have the means to earn a steady income to cover his treatment and daily needs.

Survive with seven bullets

After visiting Sujon’s house, we discover the grim reality.

Seven bullets still rest in various parts of his body: one in the neck, two in the chest, three in the right shoulder and one under the ear.

Only two of the nine original bullets were removed.

Doctors informed the family that removing the remaining bullets in Bangladesh was impossible and may require treatment abroad.

“The crutches made it impossible for me to work or even move around without assistance. I’m constantly worried about what will happen to my family,” Sujon says.

Sujon with his father and older brother

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Sujon with his father and older brother

A relative, Mubarak Hossain, describes the extent of the family’s struggle, stating: “Sujon has no means to support the family or pay for treatment. Now even younger brother Sujon, who is in eighth grade, may have to leave school. “

Sujon remembers the day of the protest very well.

Attracted by social media posts, he joined the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement on August 4 afternoon near Madam Bridge in Lakshmipur. When the protest reached the former upazila chairman’s house, it ended tragically as bullets rained from above.

Sujon recalls: “AKM Salahuddin Tipu, the local leader of the Jubo League and chairman of the upazila, fired directly from the roof. Hundreds were injured; “I was hit nine times and immediately fell down.”

Four protesters were killed that day and hundreds, including Sujon, were injured.

Other protesters initially took Sujon to Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital.

His relatives managed to move him from the hospital due to threats of further attacks from members of the ruling party.

He was taken to a private hospital in Noakhali, but they couldn’t admit him due to his gunshot wounds.

Only two of the nine original bullets were removed

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Only two of the nine original bullets were removed

He was eventually taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors removed the bullet from his liver.

After 18 days, Sujon was transferred to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), where surgeons removed another bullet from his shoulder.

However, CMH doctors informed the family that they could not remove the remaining bullets and suggested that he might need overseas medical care.

Seven bullets still rest in various parts of his body: one in the neck, two in the chest, three in the right shoulder and one under the ear.