When everyone went to sleep at night, Jasam's dreams came alive in his eyes. But now, he can't see like before. Tears streamed from the corners, and he endured sleepless nights, tormented by aching in his chest. Every morning, he goes to the hospital balcony. This is Jasam's daily life.

His father, Harun Or Rashid, had big dreams for Jasam. He wanted him to study hard, get a good government job, and bring stability to the family. But now, those dreams have faded away. 

Jasam is the youngest of three kids. His older brother, Dalim, had a job but lost it because of his involvement in the politics of BNP. Another brother, Abdul Alim, works in a private company in the city. Their family relies on Abdul Alim's income and their father's farming. Since 2017, the family has been separated because of their political involvement. Their father hoped his sons would take care of the family after finishing their education, but those dreams have faded away. On October 28, Jasam, a twelfth-grade student, lost an eye during a BNP rally in Dhaka's Nayapaltan due to police firing. Now, his life is different, without the light that once shone bright in his eyes.

Jasam shared his story with a reporter from Bangla Outlook in Dhaka, describing the harshness of his life.

Bangla Outlook: How did you get shot in the eye?

Jasam: I was standing at Nightingale Junction in Kakrail around noon on October 28 when many BNP leaders from my area arrived. I was accompanying them when suddenly a commotion broke out, and people started running frantically. Amidst the chaos, I found myself running alongside them. Suddenly, the police opened fire, unleashing a barrage of shots into the crowd of thousands. Before I could react, I felt searing pain as bullets struck my head, chest, and face, causing me to collapse on the ground. Some individuals rushed to my aid, swiftly transporting me to the Nayapaltan BNP office. However, even there, the danger persisted as gunfire continued nearby. Eventually, I was transferred to the Islami Bank Hospital in Nayapaltan, where I received immediate first aid. The medical staff extracted numerous bullets from various parts of my body, the agony nearly causing me to lose consciousness. During the examination, the doctor made a grim discovery: a bullet lodged within my left eye.

Bangla Outlook: Why did you not take out the bullet from the eye? 

Jasam: The bullet couldn't be removed from my eye at that hospital. Subsequently, I was referred to the Bangladesh Eye Hospital at Shantinagar Mor. Following an examination there, I was admitted to the Bangladesh Eye Hospital in Dhanmondi. Four days after the incident, surgery was performed on my eye at the latter hospital, successfully extracting the bullet from the eyeball.

Bangla Outlook: You mentioned that your father is a poor farmer; who covered the costs of the medical treatment?

Jasam: Other gunshot wounds and injuries on my body were treated at Islami Bank Hospital, and the party covered the expenses. Although I am unaware of the specific source, I know I was required to pay 10,000 taka for the treatment on the day of the eye operation. My family provided this amount. Upon learning of the situation, Dr Farhad Halim, the North BNP Acting Convener, settled the bill for the Dhanmondi Hospital in Dhaka. The exact amount incurred in the bills is unknown to me.

Bangla Outlook: How are arrangements made for medications?

Jasam: My father and brother are arranging the medications. I am the co-organizing secretary of Gulshan Thana Chhatra Dal. Still, on one other than Akram Bhai, organising secretary of the Titumir College branch of Chhatra Dal, has taken notice of my situation. My family is still treating me. Of course, I can't carry out proper treatment.

Bangla Outlook: What is the condition of the eyes now?

Jasam: With a bullet lodged in my eye, I've lost all sight in my left eye. Despite assurances from doctors that there's no infection present, my vision hasn't returned. Many suggest that seeking advanced treatment abroad might offer a chance to regain my sight.

Bangla Outlook: Are you facing any problems now?

Jasam: I wasn't born blind; it happened during a protest when the police unexpectedly opened fire. Since then, I've struggled with mobility, especially walking. I've lost all vision on my left side, causing frequent stumbling and falls, even on flat terrain. Writing poses a challenge as I can't correctly position the pen with only one eye. Reading requires tilting my head in one direction, which strains my right eye due to the constant pressure.

Bangla Outlook: Do you get upset, then? Feel angry at yourself?

Jasam: I don't often feel anger, but there are moments when I become deeply distressed. Not long ago, I used to dream ambitiously, envisioning a future filled with possibilities. However, since losing my sight, it feels like the light of life is dimming. Once, the parents used to cry, but they don't cry anymore.

Bangla Outlook: Do parents and elder brothers consider you a burden?

Jasam: No, they don't think I'm a burden. They are also suffering. They can't afford it. However, they are all trying their best for my proper treatment. But my family only has a little ability. Since childhood, my father was the ward president of the farmers' party. Because of that, the members of the ruling party of the village harassed our family in various ways.

Consequently, my parents are in a dire financial situation. They feel helpless. My parents say, since you have lost your eyes for the party, sacrifice your life for the party. I (Jasam's father) will think that two of my three sons are dead. My family members are keeping me alive.

Bangla Outlook: Have you been involved in politics since childhood?

Jasam: No, my family has been involved in BNP politics. During the 2018 election, I attended a BNP rally with my elder brother and father, which led to my inability to sit for the SSC exam that year. The members of the Awami League in our area made it difficult for me to stay at home, and I found myself constantly on the move with my elder brothers, ultimately preventing me from taking the exam. The following year, I managed to pass the SSC exam and gained admission to Kendua Government College. Since 2021, all three of us brothers have been away from home. Unfortunately, I couldn't sit for the HSC second-year exam as I cannot return home and reside in Dhaka. For a while, I stayed at Gudaraghat in Gulshan, but I had to leave after being shot in the eye. Now, my brother and I are living in the Mirpur area.

Bangla Outlook: How is the treatment going?

Jasam: During the surgery on my left eye, a type of oil was injected into it. It's been three months, and another operation is scheduled soon. However, I'm still unable to leave the house due to fear. I need to attend regular follow-up appointments three days a week. Walking is typically still a challenge for me, and I can't even take the bus due to discomfort from dust getting into my eyes, requiring special arrangements.

Additionally, a significant amount of money is being spent on transportation. The monthly medication expenses alone average around 3-4 thousand taka. I am seeking treatment from various healthcare providers.

Bangla Outlook: What are the doctors saying?

Jasam: The doctors have suggested that receiving better treatment abroad may restore my eyesight. However, I lack the financial means to pursue such treatment alone. If someone were to step forward to assist me, there might be hope for me to regain my vision. Otherwise, I must accept the possibility of spending the rest of my life in this condition. For now, finding acceptance and happiness in my circumstances may be the best course of action.

Bangla Outlook: Do you feel upset?

Jasam: Being around people doesn't make me sad. However, when I'm not engaged in activities, especially at night or when alone, I experience deep emotional pain. Since the incident that led to my eye injury, I have struggled to sleep for over a month and a half. Whenever I close my eyes, I'm haunted by vivid memories of the shooting, causing immense discomfort and pain, even in my other eye. Despite this, I try to find solace in sleep. However, the thought of burdening my eighty-year-old father with my condition weighs heavily on me. This isn't the first time I've faced such violence; previously, on December 7, 2022, I was shot by the police at the BNP office in Nayapaltan, leaving bullets still lodged in my leg. I've endured numerous beatings by the police in the past without much distress. But losing my eyesight has brought about a new level of suffering that is difficult to bear.

Bangla Outlook: What is the plan for life?

Jasam: Once, there were many aspirations and plans for life. My father dreamed that my two brothers and I would receive an education and bring joy to our family. However, due to the oppression from the ruling party, those dreams were shattered. Despite this, I am determined to continue fighting and living as long as possible. Having lost one eye, I still have enough vision to fight against injustice. While I may not be able to fulfil my father's specific dream, I am committed to fighting for the rights of the people. I aspire to dedicate my life to realising the dreams and aspirations of others in my community.

Bangla Outlook: Thank you.

Jasam: Countless individuals like myself are suffering due to various injustices. By shedding light on their struggles, I hope that Bangla Outlook will become a fellow advocate in the fight for democracy. I am grateful to Bangla Outlook for their support and solidarity.