Md. Ariful Rahman Rasel

Ariful Islam was a courageous man. Born in 2005, Ariful's life, which grew up on the dirt roads of Bakerganj in Barishal, was built through struggle and adversity. Born into a poor family of father Khalilur Rahman and mother Rina Khan, Ariful grew up in a green and serene environment. He had immense courage in his heart, which one day earned him a place in the pages of history. Spending his childhood on narrow dirt roads in the village, Ariful gradually became a protesting warrior. Crossing the barrier of poverty, he had a strong determination in his eyes to do something for the country. For the family, for the society, for his own child Raisa Rahman, who is only 16 months old. Ariful's dream was to build a fair and just society.
Shaheed Md. Ariful Rahman Rasel
Serial No: 313 ID: Barishal Division 001
An Overview of Martyr’s Life
Ariful Islam was a courageous man. Born in 2005, Ariful's life, which grew up on the dirt roads of Bakerganj in Barishal, was built through struggle and adversity. Born into a poor family of father Khalilur Rahman and mother Rina Khan, Ariful grew up in a green and serene environment. He had immense courage in his heart, which one day earned him a place in the pages of history. Spending his childhood on narrow dirt roads in the village, Ariful gradually became a protesting warrior. Crossing the barrier of poverty, he had a strong determination in his eyes to do something for the country. For the family, for the society, for his own child Raisa Rahman, who is only 16 months old. Ariful's dream was to build a fair and just society.
The quota movement of 2024 brought that opportunity. The commitment he had to stand against injustice seemed to find a moment to be realized in this movement. Ariful took to the streets, with courage in his heart, becoming a protesting voice against injustice. But, his life ended in that struggle. Ariful Islam was being martyred in that movement of 2024. He left behind his little daughter Raisa - a symbol of an unborn future. His Martyrdom remained not only of one person but also became part of the history of a struggle. That green dirt road, the pain of poverty and a brave struggling spirit are still shining in Ariful's self-sacrifice.
Economic condition of the Martyr's family
During the lifetime of Martyr Arifur Rahman, his family was doing well. His income allowed the whole family to live well. Through his hard work and love, the shadow of poverty never fell on the family. Life seemed to be mixed in a rhythmic song. Where every day was a reflection of prosperity. The fruit of Martyr Arifur Rahman's hard work was the happy life of the family, which in his absence is now only an unblemished stream of memories.
Feelings about the Martyr
Martyr Arifur Rahman's life was an unwavering dedication to family, friends and politics. His cousin Sohel Talukdar recalls, "Arifur was my peer, our bond was deep. Whenever we were at home, we would discuss politics together. He was my political guru, always encouraging me. There was an uncanny firmness in his voice, he would say - 'Hasina's downfall is certain, just stay strong for a while. Everything will be alright.' But Allah took him away. My brother is no longer with us today." Mother Rina Begum says, "My son was the apple of my eye. He took care of me, I didn't let him do politics, yet he would jump for the country and people. May Allah judge those who took my father away. I pray that they may never come to power again."
His cousin Mahfuzur Rahman's voice is full of sorrow, "My elder brother loved me very much. Whenever he came home, he would play with us, take us to the market. He was older than us, but he acted like a friend of our age. May Allah grant him paradise." His wife Tania recalls heartbreaking memories, "On the morning of the fifth, when my husband wanted to go out, I didn't let him go. When he wanted to go again at 12 noon, I stopped him again. Then he said, 'If I die, it will be a Martyr's death. Only our daughter will not be able to call her father anymore.' After listening to the Chief of Army Staff's speech, he left the house. When he reached in front of Savar police station, the police opened fire. People took him to the hospital. When I reached the hospital, the doctor said - Arifur Rahman is no more."
This pain of losing Martyr Arifur Rahman has left deep scars in the hearts of his family and loved ones. He was not just a political worker, but a dedicated soul. Who sacrificed his life for his family and nation. His memory will forever remain immortal in everyone's heart.
How He was being martyred
The anti-quota movement that started in the second week of July 2024 created a historical chapter in Bangladesh. This mass awakening of the young generation across the country reminded everyone of the struggle for independence anew. Ariful Rahman Rasel was a brave warrior of that movement. Rasel, who despite his work engagements, participated in the movement with the determination to lead the people of the country to freedom, was a brave revolutionary of that time. Whenever there was a program in the area, Rasel would overcome all obstacles and rush to participate in it. Knowing the risk to his life, he considered everything insignificant compared to his love for the country. Even though his beloved wife repeatedly discouraged him, Rasel would say, "If I have to give my life for the liberation of the people of the country, then I am ready. If anything happens to me, take care of our daughter with love and affection."
From the beginning of July, the flame of the movement started to ignite. And after the 10th, it spread all over the country. Rasel used to finish his office work or take leave and join the surrounding programs. He was injured several times; his eyes were severely injured by police tear gas. Yet, this pain was insignificant to him for the independence of the country. He did not listen to his wife, mother - anyone, he did not stop. At the beginning of August, the movement progressed towards success. After the announcement of the "Long March to Dhaka" program on August 5, the government became shaky. Preparations for victory processions began around the country. When the procession started in the Savar area, millions of people burst into joy. In the moment of victory, a tragic incident suddenly happened. The local Awami League MP and mayor opened fire on the procession in front of Savar police station. The police also joined them. Many people were injured, and the deadly bullet hit Rasel's chest, who was in the front row of the procession. Rasel fell to the ground, and his life's lamp went out in an instant.
When the news of Arifur Rahman's death reached his family, his wife, with her 16-month-old child, rushed to the spot. No one could hold back their tears. When the lifeless body of Martyr Arifur Rahman was taken by his friends towards Barishal. It was as if a black shadow of mourning descended on the village. The elderly parents, for whom Arif was the only means of livelihood. They were waiting to receive the body of their beloved son. After reaching the village, Arif was buried in the presence of thousands of people after the Funeral Prayer (Janazah). There were no words in the world at that time to stop the tears of his parents. Arifur Rahman Rasel, awas being martyred brave warrior, sacrificed his life for the country, and his memory began to be carried in the hearts of every freedom-loving person in Bengal.
Shaheed Md. Ariful Rahman Rasel at a Glance
Name: Md. Ariful Rahman Rasel
Date of Birth: 16/01/2005
Occupation: Employed at Popular Hospital
Permanent Address: Sundarganj, Dudhal, Bakerganj, Barishal
Father: Md. Khalilur Rahman, Age: 70
Mother: Rina Akter, Age: 60 years
Number of Family Members: 03 people
Raisa Rahman: Age: 16 months
Place of Incident: Savar
Assailant: Awami Police League
Date of Injury: 05/08/2024, 2 PM
Date of Martyrdom: 05/08/2024, Enam Medical College Hospital, Savar
Location of Martyr’s Grave: He was buried in the family graveyard.