The lives of Mamun Mia and Naimur Rahman, two students of the University of Chittagong (CU), hang in the balance after they were severely injured during a series of violent clashes on Sunday between students and unidentified attackers.
On Monday, doctors said nothing could be said for sure until the crucial 72-hour window passes.
Mamun, a student of the Sociology Department (2020-21), was initially taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH), but was urgently transferred to Parkview Hospital.
Following multiple surgeries, he is now in the ICU.
The other injured student, Naimur Rahman, a second-year student from the Islamic Studies Department, has been transferred to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and Hospital in Shyamoli, Dhaka.
Quoting doctors, Mamun's classmate Shahab Uddin said, "His head injury turned out to be more severe than the doctors initially expected. They thought complications would be resolved by removing a blood clot on the brain's surface, but instead, bone fragments created new complications. They had to remove his entire skull for the operation. Until he recovers, the skull cannot be replaced. He will remain under observation for 72 hours. Only after that will doctors be able to fully assess his condition."
Confirming the 72-hour observation period was still active, Parkview Hospital manager Humayun Kabir said, "Mamun is still in ICU and under constant medical observation."
Meanwhile, Naimur Rahman was first brought to CMCH on Sunday night with deep slashes to his head, abdomen, and hand from sharp weapons.
After initial treatment, he was transferred to a private hospital in Chattogram and placed in the ICU. As his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to Dhaka, where he underwent emergency surgery and is still being treated in the ICU.
On Monday, doctors stated that the next 72 hours are critical for Naimur, adding that nothing could be said definitively before then.
Naimur's classmate Abdul Ahad said, "Naimur was extremely focused on his studies and never got into any trouble. Seeing someone like him fighting for his life is unbearable. Doctors said the next 72 hours are very risky. We're all praying Mamun recovers and returns to class."
Naimur's friend Adnan Sharif is currently accompanying him in Dhaka. Speaking to Stream, Adnan said, "Naimur will be kept in ICU for the next 24 hours. Doctors have said he is under observation. If his condition improves, he will be shifted to a cabin."
Mamun and Naimur's classmates said that due to ongoing unrest on campus over the past few days, students are living in fear.
They demanded that the university administration ensure the best possible treatment for Mamun and Naimur, and take strong measures to prevent such incidents from happening again.
Following Sunday's clashes at CU, injured students can now be seen crying and writhing in pain at CMCH and the university's medical centre.
Taslim Uddin, director of CMCH, said, "We have set aside special beds for CU students. Several are in critical condition, but we are providing the highest level of treatment to everyone."
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