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Dear Katie Piper, from Nila in Bangladesh
Below is a letter sent by Nila, an acid survivor from Bangladesh – a letter addressed to Katie Piper in the UK. Like Katie she wanted to become an actress. The night her husband poured acid on her she thought her whole future had fallen apart, but now with the encouragement and support at ASF-Bangladesh, Nila is studying to become a lawyer to serve the helpless fellow survivors in her society.
Like Katie, she raises her voice and shows the world that they might have taken her looks away, but in no way have they come close to losing their intelligence and inner-strength.
“I was telling our girls about Katie Piper. They are amazed to see her courage and strength. They all send their best wishes to Katie for her spirit. Katie, we are with you.” – Monira Rahman, Executive Director, Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF) Bangladesh
Nila before she was attacked by acid
Nila with Dr Ron Hiles at the ASF centre in Dhaka, February 2009
Dear Katie,
I read your story and I was shocked that acid violence is not only happening in my country and developing countries, but also in developed countries like yours. I also got attacked by acid; it has been almost one-and-a-half year ago now. I use to win awards from my school every year for my performance in acting, singing, poem recitation and dance. My dream was to become an actor just like you. The day my husband poured acid on me, I thought my whole future was falling apart.
To me it came so unexpected; I never thought he would be capable to harm me so much. That night he got very upset at me as I wanted to pursue my education after marriage. I tried to settle the matter but he didn’t calm down. After we had dinner, he left for the market, but I didn’t know why. He didn’t even come to bed later. I woke up around midnight and found my husband sitting on a chair with a glassful of liquid. Before I knew what was happening he poured the liquid down over my head. I suddenly felt an excruciating burning sensation over my entire face and my arms, realizing that it was acid. My husband rushed out of the house after that.
I received my first treatment after my father brought be to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) 20 hours later of the acid assault. In the DMCH hospital they could not provide me the health care I needed. 35 hours later I came to the ASF hospital. In the ASF hospital I received four intensive operations. I can’t express how grateful I am that Dr. Ron Hiles, a plastic surgeon from your country the U.K., was there to carry out the operations. Thanks to his prompt performance, my scars are minimized.
I am very glad that there is a place as ASF where they treated my burn wounds for free. I think in your country there is enough access to medical help. In Bangladesh medical help is too expensive for the most of us. There are government hospitals, but there are not enough hospital beds for the numerous patients who need burn treatment. The access to medicine, pathological tests, blood instruments for surgery and pressure garments is poor.
ASF took care of everything: my operations, medicines, physiotherapy and psychological support! I have no idea what would have happened to me if there was no place like ASF where I could get treatment.
Before marriage my dream was to be a performing artist, now my dream is to become a lawyer. I find that many girl victims do not get proper legal help and they have to suffer a lot to bring the predators into justice. So I want to be a lawyer to serve my helpless fellow survivors in the society.
I believe you and me have to deal with the same problems. We women have to struggle so much; it is the same all over the world. We all have to fight for equal rights and equality. Someday we will be able to change the mindset of the society in which we are living. You and I face much the same problems, but when I read your story I understand you are also a strong woman. We need to raise our voice and show the world that our looks might have been taken away, but not our intelligence and the strength we have inside.
Katie, I also have no pain. I forgot the pain I felt after the acid attack. I’ve reconciled myself to the new situation. I’m happy now and have enough strength to fight and continue my education.
You are my friend. I hope to hear from you soon.
Love,
Nila.
Posted on November 24th 2009 by Test Member in Blog
