Zubaida Rahman steps in to help helpless Jannatul in Khulna

Zubaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and vice-president of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF), has come forward to support Jannatul Ferdous, a seventh-grade student undergoing treatment at Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH) amid financial hardship.

A special medical board will be formed on Monday to ensure proper treatment for Jannatul, who is currently receiving care at the hospital's Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit.

Zubaida took the initiative after seeing a social media video in which Jannatul's family appealed for financial assistance. She immediately instructed concerned persons to take necessary measures and monitor the girl's treatment.

Following her instruction, Khulna District BNP Member Secretary and District Council Administrator SM Monirul Hasan Bappi visited Jannatul at the hospital on Sunday afternoon. He spoke with the attending physicians and arranged a video call between the family and ZRF member Dr MR Hasan.

Jannatul's mother, Azmira Begum, said their home is in Koyra upazila and that she is struggling to support her two children, including an eight-year-old son, after separating from her husband.

Jannatul studied up to Class VI at Deyana Mohila Dakhil Madrasa in Daulatpur before enrolling at a hifzkhana in Koyra. She later had to discontinue her studies as her physical condition deteriorated.

According to her mother, Jannatul's legs gradually became paralysed after she contracted pneumonia at just two months old. She later developed nerve-related complications and bedsores.

"Treatment had become impossible for us due to lack of money," Azmira said.

She said a video highlighting their plight was posted on social media two days ago and subsequently went viral. After learning about the family's situation, people contacted them and assured them of assistance, she added.

ZRF member Dr MR Hasan said Dr Zubaida took the initiative immediately after seeing the video and instructed ZRF Programme Director Professor Dr Shah Mohammad Aman Ullah, who is attached to the Prime Minister's Office, to oversee the matter.

"Accordingly, communication has been established with the hospital, and a special medical board will be formed on Monday to ensure Jannatul's proper treatment," he said.

Bappi said he was informed about Jannatul's condition by phone on Saturday night and visited her at the hospital soon afterwards.

He said he spoke with the doctors, Jannatul and her mother and assured them that all necessary administrative and financial assistance would be provided to facilitate her treatment and recovery.