Shakhawat Hossain Shahadat

On his way back from a victory rally, the honest and lawful businessman, Shaheed Shakhawat Hossain Shahadat, was shot and killed by the police during the anti-autocracy student movement. Only a few individuals create a legacy of sacrifice for their country. Those who dedicate their lives for the nation become an inspiration not just for themselves but for the entire people. Their sacrifice serves as a shield for the country’s independence, sovereignty, and prosperity. Such individuals protect the nation not only through physical presence but also with their moral and ethical strength. Their courage and dedication become a guiding light for future generations. The names of these heroic souls who sacrifice their lives for their country are written in golden letters in history and remain forever in the hearts of the nation.
Shaheed’s Profile
Shaheed Shakhawat Hossain Shahadat was born on April 2, 1964, in Ilashpur village, Chauddagram Upazila, Comilla district. His parents were Abdul Majid and Arfatun Nesha. He was a businessman running a departmental store in Tongi, Gazipur. His income source was his business, and he owned a permanent house in Tongi, along with some land in his village. His son, Abu Naser Hamza, 26 years old, manages the business. His younger daughter, Fatema Akter, has completed her Hifz studies and is currently in the ninth grade.
Background
In July 2024, the quota reform movement in Bangladesh gradually turned into a mass uprising. Initially a peaceful student movement against discrimination, it evolved into a nationwide protest against the fascist government. Over time, it was no longer confined to students but became a massive people's revolution. Citizens of all backgrounds—regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity—united and took to the streets. Under immense public pressure, the autocratic Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign on August 5. However, before stepping down, she left behind numerous atrocities and crimes. As part of these acts, armed forces were unleashed on both protesters and innocent civilians, resulting in the Martyrdom of many freedom-seeking students and citizens.
Fifteen years of authoritarian rule under the Awami League, marked by electoral fraud, corruption, murders, and oppression, had created deep resentment among the people. The government once again attempted to reinstate the quota system despite strong opposition. Although Sheikh Hasina had accepted the students' demands in 2018, she harbored deep-seated resentment. After securing power in an uncontested election in 2024, she sought to reintroduce the quota system. From July 1, 2024, a continuous movement began, demanding quota reform in government jobs. This peaceful movement turned violent on July 15 when armed police, RAB, and ruling party activists attacked unarmed students. The Martyrdom of Abu Sayeed in Rangpur ignited a nationwide mass movement. The anti-discrimination movement grew into a full-fledged revolution, culminating in Sheikh Hasina's resignation. However, before fleeing the country, she ordered brutal crackdowns, leading to the deaths of many innocent people.
Participation in the Movement
Among these brave Shaheeds was Shakhawat Hossain Shahadat. On August 5, 2024, he joined the anti-discrimination movement alongside the general public and marched with the students to Mohakhali. As the movement intensified, he participated in the "March to Dhaka" program and traveled from Tongi to Dhaka. However, before reaching the capital, news broke that Sheikh Hasina had resigned and fled the country. Along with his political colleagues, he joined a victory rally in Tongi—but he never made it back home.
Martyrdom
Shakhawat Hossain Shahadat, known for his philanthropy and social work, was the president of Ilashpur Boro Mosque and Madrasa. He had been running his business in Tongi for a long time. His son-in-law, Iqbal Hossain, told Cumilla Kagoj that Shahadat had lived in Tongi for years due to his business. On August 5, as part of the "March to Dhaka" program demanding Hasina's resignation, he and his political associates set out for the capital. Before they could reach Dhaka, they learned that Hasina had resigned and fled to India. As they were returning in a celebratory rally, police opened fire on them near Uttara Azampur at around 4:30 PM. Shahadat was shot in the head and abdomen. He was taken to Jahana Clinic and later transferred to Tongi Medical, where doctors declared him dead.
Funeral and Burial
His first funeral prayer was held in Tongi at 9 PM on August 5. His body was then transported to his hometown in Comilla, reaching Chauddagram around 3:30 AM. The next day, on August 6, he was laid to rest after a funeral prayer at 11 AM.
Family's Reaction
"My father-in-law was an honest and dedicated man. We cannot accept his brutal murder. He was shot in cold blood. We demand justice for this killing and compensation for our loss. We will file a case," said one of his close relatives.
Shaheed Shakhawat Hossain Shahadat was the son of Abdul Majid from Ilashpur. Dhanpur village, in Chauddagram, Comilla. He was 61 years old at the time of his death. He left behind his wife, three daughters, and one son.
Proposals
1. Provide financial support to expand the business left by the Shaheed.
2. 2. Assist in the education of his daughter, Fatema Akter, who has completed Hifz and is now in the ninth grade.
Shaheed Shakhawat Hossain’s Martyrdom Information at a Glance
Name : Shakhawat Hossain Shahadat
Father's : Abdul Majid
Mother's : Arafatun Nessa
Shaheed's Birth : August 2, 1964
Occupation/Designation : Business
Current Address : Holding No. 112, Arichpur, Tongi, Gazipur
Date of Incident : August 5, 2024
Place of Incident : Azampur, Dhaka
Attacker : Police of the autocratic government
Date and Place of Death : August 5, 2024, 6:20 PM