CU Correspondent
Md. Shafiqul Saju, a former Philosophy student of the University of Chittagong (CU) and currently an assistant professor of Philosophy at Kabirhat Government College in Noakhali, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His family says advanced treatment will cost 60 to 70 lakh taka, an amount they cannot afford, and they have appealed to well-off individuals, expatriates, and CU’s former and current students for help.
Born in Subarnachar, Noakhali, in 1988, Saju completed his honors and master’s degrees from CU’s Philosophy department in the 2007-08 session. He later qualified for the education cadre in the 35th BCS and joined the teaching profession. Throughout his academic life, he stayed active in social work, debate, cultural programs, blood donation drives, and various initiatives to help the underprivileged. He was seen as a guardian figure to students from Subarnachar studying at CU, and also helped establish education in the area, serving as one of the founders of Green Future School and College and as joint convener in setting up Haji Mosharef Hossain School and College.
His health recently deteriorated, and tests revealed the pancreatic cancer. Medical documents have already been sent to specialist doctors in India to assess treatment options. His condition remains critical, and his weight has dropped to just 41 kilograms despite standing 5 feet 6 inches tall. Family members say he may need to be taken to India or Thailand for treatment, which could cost between 60 and 70 lakh taka.
Saju has two young children, six-year-old daughter Nabera Sadmin and four-and-a-half-year-old son Iram Fayyaz, and the family is anxious about their future.
Those wishing to help can send donations to:
Md. Shafiqul Islam, Sonali Bank, Kalamunsi Bazar Branch (Kabirhat, Noakhali)
A/C No. 3814101012672, Routing No. 200751270
bKash/Nagad: 01701300500 (Personal)