Most. Rita Akter

Martyr Rita Akter was born on December 15, 2007, in the village of Talkhur, Punot Union, under Kalai Thana in Joypurhat district. The only sister of two brothers, Rita Akter was very dear to them. Due to the poor economic condition of the family, her parents came to Dhaka with their two sons. Rita grew up in the area with her aunt. An extremely meritorious student, Rita quickly caught the attention of the madrasa teachers. Martyr Rita passed the SSC in 2024 with distinction from the remote village of Bhugoil Hezbollah Dakhil Madrasa. This science student had a GPA of 4.78. Her parents were hopeful and decided that no matter how difficult it was, they would make her a successful person. They got her admitted to Mirpur Duaripara Government College. They also admitted their youngest son to a private school.
Family's Financial Condition
Martyr Rita Akter's family consists of her parents, elder brother, and younger brother. Her younger brother studies in sixth grade at a private school. Her elder brother used to sell chicken at someone else's shop. Her father drove a rickshaw. Her mother worked in other people's homes. They used to live in a rented house in Dhaka. Currently, the Martyr's family is staying at their village home. But they do not have their own land. They live in a house on someone else's land. They are unemployed and jobless in the area. Her father does not have the money to buy a rickshaw. Her elder brother wants to start a chicken business, but due to lack of funds, he cannot start either. Currently, this extremely poor family is somehow surviving with the help of the locals.
Detailed How He Became a Martyr
On August 5th, Martyr Rita Akter asked her parents for permission to participate in the movement, but they did not give her permission. Afterwards, when her father went out with his rickshaw and her mother went to work in someone else's house, she participated in the movement with the students. The students were then marching towards Shahbag. At 1:30 PM, when this procession reached in front of Mirpur No. 2 Model Police Station, the police suddenly started firing indiscriminately. There, 5-6 students collapsed on the ground. Martyr Rita Akter was shot in the stomach and head.
Her mother says, "I came home and, not finding her, went out to look for her. I saw several bodies lying beside the bridge in front of Mirpur Model Police Station. I saw my daughter lying there. She was still alive then. But I did not have the strength to pick her up. I quickly came home and took a woman with me. But when I went there, I could not find my daughter. Meanwhile, the students took Rita Akter to Suhrawardy Medical. There, while undergoing treatment, Rita Akter embraced Martyrdom at around 10 PM."
Regarding Martyr Rita Akter, her aunt commented, "She was a very good girl. Her parents lived in Dhaka. She grew up with me. She went to Dhaka a few days ago to her parents, so that she could study in a good college there. I raised her like my own daughter. A polite and well-mannered girl, she used to pray five times a day, and she got along well with my daughters. I have so many memories of her; if I ever scolded her about anything, she would not talk back, she would remain silent. They killed such a golden girl; I demand justice for this."
Martyr's Brief Profile
Name: Most. Rita Akter
Occupation: First-year HSC student, Duaripara Government College
Father: Md. Ashraf Ali
Occupation: Rickshaw puller
Mother: Rehena Bibi
Occupation: Housewife/Domestic worker
Siblings: Two brothers, one sister
Position among siblings: Second
Place of Injury: In front of Mirpur No. 2 Model Police Station
Date of Injury: August 5, 2024, 1:30 PM
Type of Injury: Stomach and head wounded by police gunfire
Place and Date of Martyrdom: Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, 10 PM
Recommendations
1. Provide permanent housing for the Martyr's parents.
2. Provide capital for small businesses for the Martyr's father and elder brother.
3. Take responsibility for the education of the Martyr's younger brother.