Staff and students from the University of British Columbia rallied in downtown Vancouver Sunday in support of Rumana Manzur, who was blinded in a vicious attack by her husband – and remains in her parents' home in Bangladesh praying for a miracle.
The demonstration aimed to not only raise awareness about the plight of Monzur, but of all victims of domestic abuse.
Attendees at the gathering solemnly carried signs reading "Support Rumana. Respect women's rights to education," and "Stop violence against women."
The rally was intended to be a call for justice, UBC doctoral student and rally organizer Mohsen Seddigh told CTV News Channel on Sunday.
"We hope for no more violence against women and support for Rumana," he said. "Rumana is not alone. We do not want this to go unpunished."
Speaking on the phone to CTV News on Saturday, Manzur said she was grateful for all the support she has received from her fellow students and friends but is afraid of losing all she has worked for in her studies.
"I had a plan regarding my career. I wanted to do something," Manzur said. "I really hope I can do that, I can finish what I planned."
The 33-year-old mother, who is pursuing a master's degree in political science, has been desperately hoping she'll be able to regain some part of her vision since she was assaulted while visiting her husband, Hasan Sayeed Sumon, in Dhaka earlier this month.
Sumon was detained 10 days after the attack. He was remanded in custody this week and is charged with attempted murder, though Manzur told CTV she has little hope for justice.
"After destroying my life, I don't know what is justice. I don't know what punishment can replace what I wanted," she said.
Manzur told reporters during a bedside interview in a Bangladeshi hospital that her eyes had been gouged out and her nose repeatedly bit after a fight with Sumon – all in front of her five-year-old daughter.
Her husband told local media after his arrest that his wife was being unfaithful in Vancouver, but residents of Saint John's College at UBC, where Manzur lived, have denied Sumon's accusation.
A glimmer of hope
Manzur's colleagues and family have been reaching out to international specialists for help ever since she was assaulted.
Opthamologist Dr. Hugh Parsons says he's seen two cases similar to Manzur's in his 24-year practice, and that hope hinges on Manzur's right eye.
"If the [victim] is right handed, the person's left eye will be the one that goes the most. The other one will be in better shape," Parsons said.
Parsons has offered to treat Manzur, but says time is of the essence.
The incident has also sparked outrage from female members of the Bangladesh Parliament who are now pushing for the country's president to ensure justice is served in the case.
Some at the rally, which began at 3 p.m. at the Vancouver Art Gallery, also raised money to help pay for Manzur's medical bills. Manzur offered a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has offered support and kindness during her time of need.
"My heart feels gratefulness and my love to all those supporting me and [who] can feel my pain and share in my pain," she said.
To donate, visit UBC's Rumana GiveCentre website.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Bhinder Sajan
