The family of Hafiz Junaed, who lost his leg, has been overwhelmed by poverty.

 

Poverty Grips Family of Hafiz Junaed, Who Lost His Leg

Hafiz Maulana Junaed Ahmed, the only son of disabled father Habibur Rahman, hails from Nayapara village in Mohinanda Union under the Sadar Upazila of Kishoreganj. He was the sole breadwinner of the family, supporting himself and his loved ones through private tuition.

Last year, during the July uprising, he was shot by police and lost one of his legs. Since then, the family's source of income has been cut off. They now depend on the kindness of others for their meals — if no help arrives, they go hungry.

It is known that Junaed was studying at a madrasa in the Jatrabari area of the capital. Alongside his studies, he earned money through tutoring. But the police bullet that took his leg has left him permanently disabled.

Junaed recalls,
"On August 5th, I was heading towards Shahbagh and the Prime Minister's Office with a few madrasa friends to join the protest. On the way, we were caught in police gunfire. I took shelter behind a van. While trying to escape through a nearby alley, the police caught up to us. Despite begging for mercy, they opened fire. I was wounded and later taken to a private hospital where doctors had to amputate my leg."

"I have done what little I could for my country and this nation. I lost my leg. I don't know what the current government will do for us. I was the only earner in my family. Now everything has come to a halt," he added.

His father, Habibur Rahman, said tearfully,
"He is my only son, my sole support. He used to run our family. I am also disabled and unable to work. If people help us, we eat. Otherwise, we remain hungry."

Neighbor Aminul Haque Sadi said,
"This family is truly helpless. We are deeply concerned about their future. We urge the government to take steps to support Junaed's family so they can live a decent life."

Kishoreganj Deputy Commissioner Fauzia Khan stated,
"The district administration will provide financial assistance to the family. We are also taking steps to create employment opportunities, and arrangements for a job for Junaed will be made soon."

Keywords: shot, disabled, killed, July uprising