Bangladesh: After Losing a Leg to a Landmine, Hope Returns

Md. Abul Kalam, a 38-year-old Rohingya refugee, now lives with his family in Nayapara Registered Camp. Before the violence in Myanmar, he survived through daily labor. While fleeing to Bangladesh with 12 others, including his mother and younger brother, a landmine explosion severely injured him.

His companions carried him across the border to safety, and he was later treated at Cox’s Bazar Medical College Hospital, where doctors had to amputate his left leg below the knee to save his life.

After the amputation, Abul Kalam’s stump was painful and sensitive, and he was unable to stand or walk. He depended completely on others for mobility and daily activities, which made life challenging and emotionally distressing.

HI Rehabilitation Helps Abul Kalam Regain Mobility

In August 2025, he was referred to Humanity & Inclusion (HI) and assessed by a Rehabilitation Officer. Following the assessment, he was enrolled in rehabilitation services. The rehabilitation team provided guidance on proper stump care, exercises to strengthen his muscles, and trained his caregiver to support him safely at home.

Abul Kalam says, “HI also provided me with essential assistive devices, including a wheelchair, axillary crutches, a toilet chair, and crepe bandages to help with stump shaping and daily mobility. Later, I was referred to an HI Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) Technician and was successfully fitted with an artificial limb.”

Walking Toward Independence

With regular physical therapy sessions, strengthening exercises, balance training, and gait training with the prosthesis, Abul Kalam gradually improved his mobility and confidence. In addition to physical rehabilitation, he also received Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), nursing care, and protection support to address his emotional well-being and ensure proper health monitoring.

Abul Kalam adds with confidence, “Currently, I have made significant progress. I can walk with my artificial limb and move around with improved balance and independence. I am less dependent on others and actively participating in my rehabilitation exercises.”