New Acid Attack-Rima Khatun

New Acid Attack-Rima Khatun

New Acid Attack

Rima Khatun

A woman and her 4 years old niece became sunder acid attack

On the evening of December 19, 2023, at approximately 9:00 PM, Rima Khatun, a 23-year-old woman, tragically became the victim of an acid attack in Durduria, Lalpur, Natore. She was receiving medical treatment at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, while her four-year-old niece, Maimuna Khatun, also sustained minor burns during the incident as she was present with Rima at the time.

Rima had filed for divorce from Mohammad Zia four months prior, citing his drug addiction and incarceration as reasons for the dissolution of their marriage. When Rima informed Zia of her decision to divorce him on that fateful day, he flew into a rage and maliciously threw acid at her. Neighbors responded to Rima’s screams and promptly transported her to Bagha Health Complex, from where she was later referred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for further treatment.

In response to this horrific act, Rima’s father took legal action by filing a case against the perpetrator at Lalpur Police Station. The Legal Officer of the Acid Survivors Foundation also intervened, initiating communication with the Officer-in-Charge of Lalpur Police Station. Reassuringly, the Officer-in-Charge confirmed that the investigation is progressing smoothly and that the perpetrator has been captured.

 

New Acid Attack-Jannati

New Acid Attack-Jannati

New Acid Attack

Jannati

On the darkest night of January 26, 2024, a one-and-a-half-year-old Jannati descended into even deeper darkest shadows. She, along with her father Riyaz (38) and mother Khadiza (20), was in sleep at their home in Borishal when suddenly, assailants hurled acid through their window, engulfing them in searing pain. The harrowing screams of the family drew the attention of neighbors, who rushed to their aid and transported them to Borishal Sher-e Bangla Medical College and Hospital for urgent care.

Riyaz revealed that they had been embroiled in a land dispute with a relative prior to the attack. Determined to seek justice, they are now preparing to file a case against the perpetrators. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident while efforts to apprehend the fugitive culprits are underway.

In a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness, a representative from the ASF visited the survivors at the hospital, extending an advice to receive advanced treatment from Dhaka and remain connected with ASF for any support.

 

New Acid Attack-Najma Begum

New Acid Attack-Najma Begum

New Acid Attack

Najma begum

Najma Begum, aged 41, went to Vennabari market in Kaharul, Dinajpur district, on December 21, 2023, around 6:30 PM. While there, she encountered her stepson, Rabbi, aged 20. As he approached, she noticed he was holding what appeared to be glass. Suddenly, Rabbi threw acid at her, causing Najma to shield her face. The perpetrator then fled the scene.

Immediately following the attack, Najma sought shelter in a shop within the market, where bystanders rushed to her aid by pouring water over her. Upon hearing of the incident, Najma’s son Nahid swiftly transported her to Kaharul Health Complex. Subsequently, she was referred to Dinajpur Hospital where she received treatment for a duration of 10 days. Upon recommendation from medical professionals, Najma was advised to seek advanced care at Rangpur Medical College Hospital. A lawyer from Dinajpur Court reached out to BLAST- a civil society organization, who then referred the case to ASF. Following ASF’s guidance, Najma was directed to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital. With the invaluable assistance of ASF, Najma was admitted to DMCH on January 24, 2024, and remains under medical care there.

It has come to light that Najma’s husband, Saiful, aged 45, had been issuing threats to her for several days. Notably, Najma is Saiful’s second wife. Following their marriage, Saiful failed to provide any form of support or maintenance to Najma and their two children. At a certain juncture, Najma took legal action by filing a dowry case against her husband. Subsequently, Saiful intensified his threats towards her, culminating in the aforementioned incident as a revenge. They have filed a case in the court with the assistance of an Advocate of Dinajpur Court.

On January 29, 2024, a multidisciplinary team from ASF, consisting of a Medical Officer, Psychologist, Legal Officer, and a ward attendant, visited Najma at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital to offer our support and solidarity. Najma requested financial assistance to cover her medical expenses and food costs. Considering her vulnerability, ASF provided urgent financial aid to Najma from ASF and committed to stand alongside her.

 

ASF congratulates Health Minister Dr. SL Sen

ASF congratulates Health Minister Dr. SL Sen

On February 10, 2024 a delegation comprising trustee, staff and survivors’ representatives from the Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF) met the honorable Minister of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of Bangladesh to extend congratulations on his recent appointment as Health Minister. The Health Minister Dr. Samanta Lal Sen is the Founder Member of ASF. Acid Survivors expressed their deep gratitude to the Minister that they will always remember Dr. Sen’s contributions in supporting them with surgical treatments in their critical time.

 

Alliance Finance Ltd. visited ASF

Alliance Finance Ltd. visited ASF

On 31 January, 2024, a top management team from Alliance Finance Ltd. visited ASF to stand in solidarity with acid survivors. They met with patient survivors and heard their journey. The Chief Executive Officer Mr. Kanti Kumar Saha handed over a charitable cheque on behalf of Alliance Finance Ltd. to Mr. Sarder Jahangir Hossain, Executive Director of ASF. The ceremony was attended by Navila Hasan, Assistant Manager-Brand, Communication & Corporate Affairs from Alliance Finance and Tahmina Islam, Coordinator-Case Management & Partnership along with other team members from ASF.