Use of deadly weapons on common people must stop: Energy Adviser

Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, speaks to the journalists at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (Nitor) in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, on Monday, September 16, 2024.

Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, said that rehabilitating the families of those injured or killed in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement is a top priority for the interim government.

He also mentioned that a complete list of victims is being prepared.

Fouzul Kabir made these remarks after visiting the injured at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (Nitor) in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, on Monday afternoon.

He emphasized: "Rehabilitating the families of the injured and deceased is our main responsibility, and the current government is fully committed to this. I met people from all walks of life here — students from universities, colleges, madrasas, workers, and even a six-year-old school student."

He expressed concern that most of the injured had been shot, adding: "In our student days, police would charge at protesters with batons, but now they use bullets, leading to death or lifelong disability. This is unacceptable in a free country."

The adviser called for an end to the use of lethal weapons on common citizens. "I visited this hospital once after the war and saw the aftermath of attacks by Pakistani forces. But now, it's our own people responsible for these injuries. Not only have the police or other forces caused harm, but I also saw a student who had been hacked. This must stop. We cannot allow the continued use of deadly force on people in a free nation."

He further mentioned that the injured were receiving proper treatment, adding: "I asked everyone if they were getting adequate care, and they all confirmed they were receiving free and genuine treatment. However, some are daily wage earners whose livelihoods have been disrupted. I have requested the hospital director to prepare a list of those in need of financial assistance. We will work on providing help, either through individual requests or in consultation with other government advisers."

Fouzul Kabir also noted that the government and the chief adviser had established a foundation to support the injured. "We planned an event for the families of the martyrs, but since the list is incomplete, it has been delayed. Many have said it could take nine to 10 months or longer to finalize the list of the injured. No matter how long it takes, this work must be completed, regardless of which government is in power."

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