Mohammad Tuhin

Mohammad Tuhin was born on September 9, 2005, in Gacha Union, Gazipur District. His father, Shaheed Babul Sheikh, was an auto-rickshaw driver, and his mother, Mosammat Taslima, works in a garment factory. He became a Shaheed on July 20, 2024, after being struck by the bullets of the tyrants.
Personal and Family Status
Tuhin completed his primary education at Gacha Government Primary School. Due to family financial difficulties, Tuhin worked as an auto-rickshaw driver while continuing his studies. His family consists of 5 members. He has two brothers and one sister. They do not own any land or property. Being unable to afford rent, they live in a tin-shed house built on government land. His younger brother, Hasan, is a 7th grade student. His elder brother, Tushar, works abroad in Saudi Arabia. His elder sister, Sumi Akter, is unmarried. The family is in debt and has no means to repay it.
Description of the incident of Martyrdom
Rickshaw drivers, van drivers, and ordinary professionals have always been a part of every national movement and struggle. They have witnessed all the protests firsthand. Their contributions to movements demanding justice cannot be denied. One such person was Shaheed Tuhin. During the anti-discrimination student movement, on Saturday, July 20, 2024, Shaheed Mohammad Tuhin was standing with his auto-rickshaw at Board Bazaar on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Gacha Road, waiting for passengers. The police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) under the authoritarian government of Sheikh Hasina began shooting at the crowd standing at street corners. During this time, a bullet from the police and BGB struck Tuhin in the throat. He collapsed onto the road from his auto-rickshaw. His windpipe was pierced, and he died instantly. Local people rushed to rescue him and took him to the nearby hospital, but he was already dead. Eyewitnesses report that his death occurred around 5:00 PM.
Feelings of Relatives and Neighbors About the Shaheed
Sohag Mia (27), (cousin), said, "Tuhin used to drive an auto-rickshaw while studying. He was a very good boy. We demand justice for his killers. He was known in the area as a humble and polite person. His death has left the entire neighborhood in mourning. The locals demand justice for his killers."
Burial
Shaheed Tuhin was buried in his native area. Thousands of people, like Tuhin, lost their lives during the 16 years of rule by the Awami government. Many innocent people have been abducted. The oppressive government has been responsible for numerous extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture.
Extrajudicial Killings and Crossfire
Over the past years, extrajudicial killings, including crossfire incidents, have become a norm under the Awami government. Reports show that nearly 4,000 people have been killed by security forces, including the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), police, and other law enforcement agencies. This is a massive threat to a civilized and democratic state. The RAB, an "elite force," has been heavily criticized for accusations of crossfire, abductions, and disappearances. The United States has imposed sanctions on this force. One notable extrajudicial killing was that of Major Sinha. The killing occurred on July 31, 2020, in Teknaf, and the perpetrators were prosecuted.
Enforced Disappearances and Torture
A brutal culture of abductions has emerged over the past 16 years, bringing Bangladesh back to the days of extreme injustice. Around a thousand people have gone missing during this period. Many families have not received any information about the whereabouts of their loved ones. Some have been found in deplorable conditions. High-profile cases like the abduction of Islamic preacher Abu Taha Muhammad Adnan and his three companions have gained significant attention.
Suppression of the Media
The freedom of the media has been curbed. Many media outlets, including daily newspapers and TV stations, were shut down. Journalists have faced physical assault, threats, and even death, with no justice for victims. The murder of journalists Sagar-Runi remains unresolved after 15 years.
Torture by the Detective Branch (DB)
The DB office was notorious for its torture cells. With the backing of the Awami government, DB officer Harun became a ruthless torturer. Many students involved in the quota reform movement were subjected to brutal torture. The methods included beatings, electric shocks, and physical abuse in an attempt to suppress any opposition.
Recommendations
1. Monthly assistance can be provided to the Shaheed's family.
2. The responsibility of educating the Shaheed's siblings could be taken on.
The content illustrates the oppression, violence, and torture faced by citizens during the Awami government's rule, and the persistent demand for justice by the families and communities affected by these injustices.
Torture of Ordinary Students Under the "Shibir" Tag
During the Awami government, it became a common practice to torture ordinary students under the label of "Shibir." On campuses, the government's affiliate organization, Chhatra League, became unruly and violent. They turned the term "student politics" into something despised and disrespected. In student halls, Chhatra League transformed them into havens for drugs. Trading with the hall seats, consuming food without paying money, and physically assaulting anyone who demanded money became routine for them. If they saw someone praying, they would accuse them of being affiliated with Shibir and take them to a torture cell. One of the most tragic cases was that of Abrar Fahad, a brilliant student at BUET. After posting a status about the country on Facebook, Abrar became a victim to Chhatra League's wrath. Under the label of Shibir affiliation, he was taken to a torture cell where Chhatra League thugs attacked him like goons and killers. After enduring brutal torture overnight, his lifeless body was found on the next morning. Another victim of the Chhatra League's terror was Engineer Sirajul Islam, the former central president of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir and a brilliant planner at BUET. Chhatra League subjected him to inhuman torture, breaking his limbs. These are just a few of the countless crimes that were associated with the autocratic government of Sheikh Hasina and her cohorts.
At a Glance: Shaheed Tuhin
Name : Shaheed Mohammad Tuhin
Profession : Was a student and also a driver of an auto-rickshaw
Date of Birth : 09-09-2005
Age : 18 years
Father : Mr. Mohammad Babul Hossain
Mother : Mrs. Taslima
Injury Location : At the head of Gacha Road, Board Bazar, Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway
Date of Martyrdom : 20th July 2024, Saturday
Place of Martyrdom : On the way to the hospital after being rescued
Permanent Address : Gacha Union, Gazipur
Current Address : Same