It has been some 23 days in ■ the Dhaka Medical College (DMCH). but the eight-year-old Runa is yet to have any special care assured by the health minister.

Runa was admitted to the Ward Number 33 at the DMCH after both of her wrists were blown off in a bomb blast during a Opposition-sponsored hartal on October 18. Her mother said the poor girl was recovering slowly.

"Nobody now comes to see how the girl is being treated and how we are here at the hospital," said Fatema, Runa's mother. "Nobody cares for us since we are poor and downtrodden." she said. " There has been no change in her being

taken care of."

The bandage of Runa's right hand was removed but her left wrist that was severely injured was still bandaged.

‘She is suffering from anaemia and does not want to eat the food supplied by the hospital authorities." Fatema said showing the pale eyes of the girl.

Fatema came to the city in September in search of a Job. She had to leave her Madhupur village of Nandail thana in Mymensingh after the flood.

"I do not know where 1 will go once my daughter recovers. I will again be on the streets as I have got no house," she said.

"How will the poor girl do work without her hands' and how will I arrange her marriage as she is now impaired?" the anxious mother wondered.

Replying to a question, she said. "I have got some money from some people whom I can t name. The hospital authorities are providing with required medicine."

The doctor on duty was not available for comment on the condition of the girl despite repeated efforts.