PM checks on health of July Uprising victim nurse Ripa

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has enquired about the health of nurse Ripa Francisco Gomez, who was shot during the July 2024 mass uprising while providing first aid to injured people.

‘Amra BNP Paribar’ Member-Secretary Krishibid Moksedul Momin Mithun said the Prime Minister, who is the organisation’s chief patron, recently came across a social media post about Ripa and asked his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon to look into her condition.

Following the instruction, a delegation led by Mithun visited Ripa’s residence in Bazar Goli area of Madhya Badda in the capital today and enquired about her physical condition, conveying the prime minister’s message of sympathy.

Members of ‘Amra BNP Paribar’ Masud Rana Liton, Farhad Ali Sajib and Rubel Amin, and Chhatra Dal leader Abdullah Al Misbah, among others, were present during the visit.

Ripa was shot on July 21, 2024, near Rampura Bridge in Dhaka while providing first aid to people injured during the uprising.

She sustained serious injuries from 47 lead pellets and two rubber bullets, with the most severe injury affecting her right eye socket. One bullet became lodged 14 centimetres deep inside her brain.

Since being shot, Ripa has suffered from vision complications and various other physical problems. The cost of regular treatment, coupled with her physical limitations and reduced work opportunities, has left her facing financial difficulties.

Despite her condition, she is trying to support herself and cover her medical expenses by continuing to provide care to other patients.