Md. Rafiqul Islam

Martyr Md. Rafiqul Islam was born in 1997 in Dakshin Kanaipur village, under Alinagar Union, Kalkini Thana, in Madaripur district. Rafiqul was the third of four siblings. Having lost his mother, Rafiqul's only guardian was his elderly father, Md. Kalu Sardar. A laborer by profession, Rafiqul was the sole breadwinner for his family. He took care of his elderly father, his daughters' education, and the family's expenses with his earnings. But the black claws of the autocratic government have stopped Rafiqul's capable hands forever. The beautiful future dreams of his two daughters, or the desire to buy a sari for his wife when he returned home, have come to a standstill.
Family Financial Situation
Rafiqul's family depended on his income as a laborer. Besides a tin house, there were hardly any assets. There was no cultivable land for farming either. Relying on these meager resources and his two capable hands, he dreamed of raising his two daughters. That dream remained just a dream, and Rafiqul was lost forever.
Background of the Incident
July 2024. The most heinous massacre in the history of Bangladesh was taking place, the victims of which were the general public. Most of their bodies were buried unclaimed or their existence was obliterated. As part of the anti-discrimination student movement's program, a complete shutdown was underway in the country. The autocratic Hasina was startled by the active presence of students and the public in that movement. Therefore, even after deploying police and BGB, she sent goon squads named Chhatra League and Jubo League into the field. Internet service was shut down across the country.
The incident occurred in the late part of the day on July 19. Rafiqul was talking on his mobile phone with his wife, Shabnur Khanam, when his wife was startled by the sound of gunfire. She anxiously inquired about her husband's safety. About 25 minutes later, Shabnur's phone rang again. But this was not her husband's voice! A passerby from Uttar Badda informed her that her husband had been injured by police gunfire (the bullet entered below his navel and exited through his back). The Maghrib adhan was ringing in Shabnur's stunned ears at that time.
That passerby and one of Rafiqul's roommates immediately admitted him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. After 14 days of treatment, when he recovered slightly, Rafiqul was taken to his home on August 1. But after a few days, the condition of the abdominal wound worsened, and he was taken to Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical. However, due to his critical condition and a shortage of doctors, he was taken to a private hospital in Dhaka. After about ten days of treatment, due to financial constraints, he was transferred to the Sheikh Hasina Burn Unit. There, on August 27, he embraced martyrdom while undergoing treatment.
Current State of the Family
Losing Rafiqul has left his family destitute. The dreams of building a happy family that filled his wife's eyes now seem to be playing out like the destructive waves of the Padma. Shabnur Khanam now spends her days in fear of her daughters' uncertain future. His two daughters are waiting for their father to bring them toys and new clothes.
Personal Information of the Shaheed at a Glance
Full Name: Md. Rafiqul Islam
Year of Birth: 1997
Father's Name: Md. Kalu Sardar
Address
Village: Dakshin Kanaipur
Union: Alinagar
Thana: Kalkini
District: Madaripur
Family Information
Number of Family Members: 4
• Father
• Mother
• 2 Daughters
Family Details:
• Father: Md. Kalu Sardar
• Wife: [Name Not Provided]
• Elder Daughter: Anisha, Age: 11 years, Class: 6th
• Younger Daughter: Jannat, Age: 5 years