Bangladesh brings cornea from Nepal for July movement victims

Bangladesh is bringing cornea from Nepal for the victims of the anti-discrimination student movement, commonly known as the July movement, that toppled the government of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Prof Khair Ahmed Choudhury, director of the National Institute of Ophthalmology, gave the information during a roundtable on ‘integrated approach of eye care services in humanitarian settings - lessons and best practices’ on Sunday.

The Orbis International and The Financial Express, Bangladesh’s premier financial daily, arranged the event at a city hotel.

“Corneas for two patients would reach by Sunday afternoon on a fight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines,” Prof Khair Ahmed Choudhury said.

“Many people suffered eye issues due to gunshots and other injuries during the movement. But we don't have enough cornea. Seva (a global nonprofit eye care organisation) Nepal is helping us in this regard,” he said.

“At least 70 victims of the movement would need cornea,” the expert said.

Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Ophthalmological Society of Bangladesh President Prof AHM Enayet Hussain, Country Director of Orbis Dr Munir Ahmed and The Financial Express Editor Shamsul Huq Zahid addressed at the programme, among others.

Shiabur Rahman, head of online and digital content of The Financial Express, moderated the roundtable.