Society

Tree Man Can See his Hands Again

Ruth Kamau  ·  August 22, 2015

Dhaka, Bangladesh (August 22, 2015) – In a story that captured hearts around the world, a man known as “Tree Man” finally got a break from a bizarre condition that had turned his life upside down. Abul Bajandar, a 27-year-old from a remote village, underwent surgery to remove massive, bark-like growths from his hands and body, allowing him to see and use his hands for the first time in years. It was a moment of sheer relief for Bajandar, who had struggled with the growths since his teenage years, making everyday tasks feel impossible.

The condition, a rare skin disorder that caused tree-like warts to sprout from his skin, had left Bajandar isolated and in constant pain. Doctors at a Dhaka hospital worked tirelessly to address the growths, which were so extensive they covered his hands and feet. Back in 2013, similar surgeries had offered temporary hope, but the warts kept returning, leaving him dependent on his family for basic care. This time, though, the medical team managed to excise the bulk of the growths in a procedure that lasted several hours, and early reports suggested it might be more successful.

Bajandar’s story drew international attention, with people sharing his photos online and raising funds for his treatment. After the surgery, he told reporters he felt like a new person, able to hold his children’s hands without shame. It’s one of those tales that reminds you how medicine can change lives in the most unexpected ways, even for someone facing such an odd and cruel affliction.

While experts cautioned that the growths could come back, the immediate results brought a wave of optimism. Bajandar planned to return to his village and rebuild his life, perhaps taking up odd jobs he couldn’t before. It’s hard not to feel a bit inspired by his resilience, proving that even in the face of something so strange, human spirit can push through. For now, at least, he could look at his own hands and see a future again.