Photographs by Kazi Mukul
Babies are blessed souls who fill their surroundings with joy. However, for one particular newborn or rather ‘unborn’ child, life took a terrifying turn. Just two months ago, Suraiya, now an infant, became a victim of a gun-shot wound when her eight months pregnant mother, Nazma Khatun was shot in the lower abdomen during a factional clash between derailed political activists.
On July 23, bullet ridden Nazma was immediately taken to Magura General Hospital where she went through an emergency two-hour caesarean. However, Suraiya was still in cross-hairs; the bullet pierced through her right shoulder and damaged her eye. The premature, bullet borne baby was sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) for extensive care. Dr. Kaniz Hasina Sheuli, Associate Professor of the Paediatric Department along with a team of surgical experts worked their wonders to give little Suraiya the breath of life she deserved.
A bullet-survivor, Suraiya’s journey didn’t just stir up Magura – the doctors at DMCH were equally overwhelmed. “We’ve never come across a case like this before,” claimed Dr. Kaniz. Magura General Hospital’s Senior Surgery Consultant Dr. Shafiur Rahman decided to operate on Nazma immediately and deliver the baby in order to save both mother and daughter. “It was God’s grace and Dr. Shafiur Rahman’s accurate decision together that saved Nazma and Suraiya for which we could do our part,” expressed Dr. Kaniz with a sigh of relief. When this tiny child was brought to them with a bullet injury it was indeed a matter of concern. The doctors didn’t know for sure if they’d be able to save this little soul and that too with multiple injuries. Baby Suraiya’s condition came as a jolt; hence they put in all their effort to save this child.
According to Dr. Kaniz, the bullet had pierced through the left side of Nazma’s uterus and went right through Suraiya’s right shoulder. However, it got lodged inside the flesh of the abdominal wall. The operating surgeon found the bullet inside the accumulated flesh. Luckily for Nazma and her daughter, it was the pregnancy that saved them to begin with.
“The weight of Suraiya inside Nazma pushed her organs upwards, thus the bullet went through her uterus without damaging an organ or vessel,” elaborated Dr. Kaniz. Upon discussing about Suraiya’s health, the paediatric surgeon said that the baby came in severely injured with five wounds – including one at the back of her chest as well as in front. She also came in with injuries on her neck, hand, shoulder and eye. “We are consulting with Dr. Faridul Hassan, Associate Professor for Ophthalmology in order to treat her damaged eye,” mentioned Dr. Kaniz. “We brought in three specialists from National Institute of Ophthalmology who further examined Suraiya. The injuries and pain on her eyes formed a traumatic cataract,” Dr. Kaniz further explained. A surgery will be required to heal Suraiya’s eyesight, but not until she is fully stable. Her remaining wounds were stitched and they have healed completely.
The premature Suraiya is out of danger for now but her injuries expose her to potential health hazards. “An average child is born in thirty-eight to forty weeks, but Suraiya was born in thirty-three weeks and that too with injuries. With her conditions, she may be prone to infections but if treated right, they can be prevented,” informed Dr. Kaniz.
She also estimates that because of an injured eye, there is an avenue for complications. Dr. Kaniz explained that when Suraiya was born, she didn’t cry for an approximate eight minutes. Her brain didn’t receive the oxygen she’s supposed to get from the first few minutes of crying. So it’s difficult to determine whether this has affected the development of her brain in anyway.
Although the odds were not in favour of Suraiya, the surgical team was not only able to heal her wounds but also give her the gift of life. Her mother has recovered and is celebrating the reunion with her daughter. “Nazma didn’t expect that she’d get to see her child alive, let alone hold her. Fortunately she hasn’t undergone any psychological imbalance after the surgery. She is very happy,” exclaimed Dr. Kaniz.
The doctors at DMCH completed the necessary treatments for Suraiya’s condition. Alongside treatment, they’ve also prescribed preventive measures such as breastfeeding properly (at least for five months). Since she is low on immunity, it is essential for her mother to maintain a sense of hygiene at all times. After the week long battle for survival, things are beginning to look up for Nazma and Suraiya already, since they are both stable and out of harm’s way.
July 23
Nazma and Suraiya were shot in the factional clash between Jubo League men. Nazma is taken to Magura General Hospital immediately. She went through a two-hour caesarean.
July 26
Baby Suraiya was sent to DMCH for treatment.
July 29
The surgical team operates on Suraiya. She was kept in NeoNatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) post surgery.