While many of the victims of the violence in July/August 2024 were in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital, the protests and their violent suppression took place throughout the country. For example, Muhammad Musabbir Islam, who goes by Sabbir, is currently a student at North Bengal International University, where he is pursuing a degree in Social Studies to equip him to address the injustices he sees in his village. Because he is both a student and a breadwinner for his extended family, Sabbir also works as a waiter in a Chinese restaurant in Rajshahi that caters to university students. He typically works 10 hour shifts six days per week. His monthly earnings, including bonuses and tips, amount to approximately Tk. 12,000 (US$100). Sabbir is married, and his wife, who is also studying at the same university, is pregnant with their first child, who is due in January 2025.
On July 30, Sabbir became yet another victim of violence involving the Chhatra League and local police forces. On this day, political unrest had disrupted daily life and forced the closure of businesses, including Sabbir’s workplace. While returning home after having reported for work, Sabbir found himself caught in the escalating violence. Members of Chhatra League targeted him after identifying him as a student. He was severely beaten on his head, legs, and back and was robbed of his student ID, phone, backpack, and money.
Despite his grievous injuries, the police and bystanders failed to assist him. Sabbir managed to return to his restaurant, where a co-worker helped him reach a local hospital. He received basic medical care for his injuries, which left him bedridden for ten days. During this time he couldn’t even transport himself to the toilet. The physical trauma required a month-long recovery period, during which he experienced constant pain in his head and legs. While his condition has improved, Sabbir continues to experience lingering pain. The incident significantly disrupted Sabbir’s life and created severe challenges. His studies were interrupted, and he had to take leave from work during his recovery, adding to his family’s financial difficulties. Amidst their trauma, Sabbir and his wife missed a deadline to register for end of term exams, and as a result they both have to repeat this entire academic year starting in 2025. To meet the medical expenses, they have had to completely deplete savings that had been put aside to help with the costs of having a newborn child.