Md Anik Khan, a tenth-grade student from Pokhaji village in Shivalaya Upazila of Manikganj, left his house on August 5 to join the student-people uprising. He was present at Paturia Ghat, where a violent clash broke out between protesters and the police. The police opened indiscriminate fire, killing several people before Anik’s eyes. Since then, he has struggled with sleep, haunted by the sight of dead bodies. His condition worsened as he began fearing strangers and mistaking sudden sounds for gunfire. Initially admitted to a private mental health center in Manikganj, Anik was transferred to the National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital (NIMH) on October 25 as his condition failed to improve.
Anik’s father, Selim Khan, is a rickshaw driver supporting a family of six. His son’s treatment has drained him financially, but despite the burden, the family has received no government assistance.
Speaking to Bonik Barta, Selim said, “The hospital released Anik for 21 days, but I still have to purchase his medicines with my own money. Managing daily expenses is hard enough, and paying for his treatment has made it even harder. We haven’t received any help from the government.”
It is not only Anik Khan, but 26 individuals have also sought treatment at the National Institute of Mental Health after suffering from psychological trauma due to observing the severity of the student movement. A visit to the specialized hospital reveals that four patients are still under treatment there.
Dr. Md Tayabur Rahman, the institute's registrar, informed Bonik Barta that a team from the National Institute of Mental Health is providing counseling to patients receiving treatment at other hospitals. Since last week, a team has started counseling patients at the National Orthopedic Hospital and Rehabilitation Institute. Starting next week, another team will begin providing mental health services to patients at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital.
Apart from the National Institute of Mental Health, patients suffering trauma related to violent incidents during the uprising are being treated at facilities like Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, and district-level centers, including Pabna Mental Hospital.
Dr. Md Tayabur Rahman estimates that thousands across the country may have suffered mental trauma due to their participation in the protests. The Bangladesh Association of Psychiatrists (BAP) has initiated a survey to determine the exact number.
Dr. Rahman, explaining the treatment process, said, “We provide treatment and counseling according to the severity of the condition. Outpatient services, including special counseling at room 242, are available from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Critical patients are admitted for intensive care. Tickets, tests, and medicines are provided free of charge to both inpatients and outpatients.”
Many families are struggling to cover treatment costs, especially after patients are discharged and must purchase medications on their own. Families of the trauma victims report severe financial hardship.
In this regard, family members of Zahidul Islam, who has lost his mental balance, informed Banik Barta that everything is provided for free at the hospital. However, sometimes they have to buy certain things. Additionally, three people have dedicated their time to caring for their son for the past three months. Their savings have been exhausted, and now they are having to borrow money from relatives.
Sources revealed that the Ministry of Health and the July Shaheed Smrity Foundation appointed student representatives at each hospital to assist with the disbursement of financial aid to victims. Afzalur Rahman Sayem, the National Institute of Mental Health representative, acknowledged his responsibilities but said he had yet to receive formal instructions. Sayem told Bonik Barta, “As soon as I assume full responsibility, I will coordinate with the July Smrity Foundation to ensure financial aid for trauma victims.”