Mehdi Hasan

"You'll see, sister, I'll turn my son into a superb student. Everyone's Funeral Prayer (Janazah) prayers will be led by him. - Martyr Mehdi Hasan
Joypurhat, one of the most beautiful districts of green and fertile Bangladesh. Sheikh Para village, one of the villages of Joypurhat Sadar. Sheikh Para village is a very beautiful village like other villages of Bangladesh. This is where the family of Altaf Sheikh and Fatema Begum was spending their days. A day arrived in their beautiful family bringing the good news, March 20, 1995. A child was born illuminating the lap of the parents. Later this beautiful child was named 'Mehdi Hasan'.
Mehdi Hasan grew up in the lap of his parents. He had his first lessons at the local school. But he could not study much further. He had to stop after studying up to the primary level. He had to face the harsh reality of poverty. After studying up to the 5th grade, he had to go out in search of livelihood.
During his working life, Mehdi operated an autorickshaw. He rented an autorickshaw in the past. He later had a desire of being the owner of his own autorickshaw. He took out a loan to purchase an autorickshaw. He used to drive it for a living. Mehdi had a spouse. His wife, Jasmin Akter, and their two young children made up his family. Making his son an Alim (Islamic scholar) was Mehdi's dream.
How Mehdi Became a Martyr
After a long period of oppression, Sheikh Hasina, the autocrat, fled the country in the face of massive protests from students and the public. Every person in Bangladesh erupted in joy and excitement. This joy also overwhelmed Mehdi Hasan. At around 6 PM in the evening, he went out for the victory procession. At 7:30 PM, Mehdi reached in front of Joypurhat Sadar Police Station.
In the movement, the police were against the people. They indiscriminately shot at the bodies of students and the public across the country. As a result, immediately after the newly fled Prime Minister's departure, students and the public surrounded the police stations across the country and set fire to them in various places. Similarly, fire was also set at the Joypurhat Sadar Police Station. Mehdi went and saw the police station burning. He met his nephew in front of the police station. He asked his nephew, "Why are you here?" After asking this question, Mehdi turned back with his nephew. Just then, a stray bullet came and shot Mehdi. The bullet hit inside his chest. It came from behind. It is not known who fired the bullet. There was no police presence at the police station at that time. However, the family and eyewitnesses believe that this bullet was fired by Awami terrorists, and they are responsible for this murder.
A Wave of Grief in the Family
Forty days before the death of Martyr Mehdi Hasan, his father, Altaf Sheikh, passed away. The family was already in mourning due to the death of his father. With that, Mehdi's death made the family even more grief-stricken. This is an even more difficult calamity for the elderly mother. After losing her beloved husband, she now bids farewell to her beloved son forever. Mother Fatema Begum says, "My son had taken responsibility for my livelihood, and I stayed with him. Among the four sons, he took the most care of me."
He was very dear to his sisters. His elder sister, Shabana, says, "Mehdi Hasan is my younger brother. He used to quarrel with me and also joke with me. When he came to this house, he would say, 'Why are you in this house?' Whatever food was cooked, he would feed me. Three days before his death, he said, 'Sister, you will see, I will make my son a great Alim (Islamic scholar). He will lead everyone's Funeral Prayer (Janazah) prayers.'" Another sister of his says, "We want justice for this murder."
His beloved wife, Jasmin Akter, is distraught, looking at her two little children and the family debt. She says, "I don't know what I will do? How will I raise my children?"
The Economic Condition of Martyr Mehdi Hasan's Family
Martyr Mehdi Hasan was the sole breadwinner of the family. Before his death, Mehdi bought an auto-rickshaw on installment, which he could not fully repay. He built a house with a loan of 3 lakh Taka, of which he had only been able to repay one lakh Taka. Therefore, his family needs financial assistance.
Personal Information of the Shaheed at a Glance
Name: Mehdi Hasan
Date of Birth: 20.03.1995
Date and Time of Martyrdom: August 5, 7:35 PM
Place of Martyrdom: In front of Joypurhat Sadar Police Station
Type of Injury: Shot in the chest
Killer: Terrorist Awami League
Occupation: Auto-rickshaw driver
Father: Altaf Sheikh
Mother: Fatema Begum
Permanent Address: Natunhat, Sheikh Para, Joypurhat Sadar, Rajshahi
Wife: Jasmin Akter
Proposals for Assistance to the Martyr's Family
1. Arrange for debt repayment.
2. Arrange for a permanent income for the family.