Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited the National Orthopedic Hospital and Rehabilitation Institute (Pongu Hospital) this Saturday morning to oversee the treatment of individuals injured in the recent quota reform protests that have swept the nation. During her visit, the Prime Minister engaged with several severely injured patients and inquired about their medical care, promising comprehensive governmental support for their recovery.
The quota reform movement, aimed at revising the job reservation system in government roles, has escalated into widespread conflicts, resulting in numerous casualties. Many of the injured were taken to Pongu Hospital, which specializes in orthopedic care and rehabilitation.
Visibly moved by the condition of the injured, Prime Minister Hasina expressed her deep concerns and reiterated her commitment to ensuring that all victims receive the necessary medical treatments. Dr. Kazi Shamim Uzzaman, the director of the hospital, briefed the Prime Minister on the medical treatments being administered and the overall condition of the patients.
The visit was also attended by Health Minister Samant Lal Sen, Deputy Health Minister Rokeya Sultana, the Prime Minister’s Chief Secretary M. Tofazzal Hossain Mia, and Press Secretary Naimul Islam Khan. Prime Minister Hasina’s visit to Pongu Hospital follows her recent tours of other critical sites affected by the protests, including Dhaka Medical College Hospital and the heavily damaged Setu Building and Disaster Management Department.
During her interactions with the hospital staff and the press, Prime Minister Hasina condemned the violence that led to such high numbers of casualties and damage to public property. She emphasized that the protests had devolved into chaos that benefitted no one, turning a potentially peaceful advocacy into a scene of destruction.
“The violence intended to cripple our economy and revert Bangladesh to a state of destitution,” commented Prime Minister Hasina. “Who is responsible for the harm inflicted upon so many families? It is up to the citizens to judge those responsible for orchestrating this havoc,” she added.
This statement came amid her series of visits intended to assess the damage caused by the protests and to coordinate government responses to ensure public safety and swift rehabilitation of the affected areas and individuals.
The Prime Minister’s proactive engagement in the crisis management efforts highlights the government’s resolve to restore order and address the grievances that have led to such unrest. The visit to Pongu Hospital is part of a broader initiative by the government to demonstrate solidarity with the victims and to take a firm stand against the violence undermining national stability.