Md. Elias Hossain

Martyr MD Elias Hossain was born on May 8, 1997, in Chandshi Union of Gournadi Thana in Barishal District. Born into an ordinary family, Ilias had thousands of dreams from his childhood. His love and sense of responsibility towards his family were immense. As a student, he was attentive and hardworking, and his goal was to one day take care of his family and bring prosperity to their lives. However, before that dream could be fulfilled, his life was cut short prematurely in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement of 2024. The Martyrdom of Ilias, who grew up as an ordinary boy, has left his family and locals in deep sorrow.
Feelings about the Martyr
Md. Mohsin Khan, Ilias's elder brother, says in an emotional tone, "We don't have a father, our middle brother is abroad but he doesn't keep in touch much. He lives separately, and I myself am a heart patient, I cannot work. I run the family expenses as much as possible by driving an auto-rickshaw. Our younger brother Ilias was our only hope, our beacon of light. He was struggling hard to continue his studies and was also doing a small job. Now that we have lost him, there is no one else to stand by us. I want the hanging of those who brutally murdered my brother. My only appeal to the government is to stand by us and help us in this time of distress."
Reshma Begum, Ilias's elder sister-in-law, says while crying, "He was like my younger brother, everyone's favorite person in our family. Such a brave young man in our area, whom everyone knew as a hero. He could never stand by when anyone was in danger. Whenever he heard of someone's danger, he would rush with help. He would help as much as he could, and sometimes he would collect from others and stand by the helpless. And today those families are the ones in need of help. Most importantly, he tried to offer five daily prayers every day and respected elders, he was the apple of the eye to the younger ones."
Special Words about the Martyr
Ilias Hossain was dedicated to serving people, a gentle and kind person. Serving humanity had become his addiction - an addiction that never let him look back. Whenever he received news of any helpless person, he would rush there, without a moment's delay. Teasing the younger ones, respecting the elders had become his daily habit. He was very careful about prayers, always praying regularly.
His parents were sick and old, the elder brother was busy with his own family and, being a heart patient, could not do heavy work. In this situation, Ilias was the only hope for all the responsibilities of the family. From taking care of siblings to bringing medicine for his parents - his contribution was immense in everything. The locals knew him as a trustworthy and helpful person. If anyone had any problem, after talking to Ilias, he would show the way to a solution as much as possible. If the younger ones of the area asked for chocolates, he would fulfill it with a smile. To the younger ones, he was the apple of their eye, their beloved Ilias Bhai (brother).
Like every Martyr, Ilias also had many qualities that made him exemplary for everyone. Ilias was also politically active, but some opposing people in the area often harassed him. As a result, he left the area and moved to Dhaka and started working in the Mohammadpur area. Although the other brother in the family was abroad, he did not keep in touch much, so the burden of the family fell on Ilias's shoulders. He willingly carried this burden, no one in his family was ever dissatisfied with his work. Everyone loved him, had complete trust in him. But suddenly this invaluable life was lost from among us. The ruthless bullets of the autocratic government extinguished his dreams forever. His elder brother also knew that his younger brother would one day get a good job, manage all the work of the family beautifully. He would also fulfill the demands of his sister with a smile. But suddenly, when the anti-discrimination student movement started, Ilias came to the forefront. His life ended in the firing of Jubo League and Chhatra League at Mohammadpur intersection. Perhaps he was their target because of his political identity.
When the call came for a march towards Shahbag with a one-point demand just before the victory, Ilias could no longer stay at home. The addiction to serving humanity that was in his mind, brought him to the field of movement, to help the students. Hundreds of obstacles and adversities could not suppress him. But that gentle man ultimately had to lose his life to the bullet wounds of terrorists. This death of Ilias is not just a loss to a family, but a loss to a society. The little children lost the person who bought them chocolates, the elderly lost a sympathetic helper, and the helpless people lost their support. Ilias Bhai, the country is independent today. Sleep peacefully, we will not forget your contribution.
How He Was being martyred
Ilias Hossain was a pioneer of the anti-discrimination student movement, who struggled for justice throughout his life. On August 4, 2024, Dhaka's Mohammadpur witnessed a horrific incident. On that day, Ilias was the victim of a barbaric indiscriminate shooting led by former Ward 33 Commissioner Rajib and current Commissioner Mohammad Asif. Seriously injured with bullet wounds in his chest, he was quickly admitted to the Neurosciences Hospital in Agargaon. After struggling with death, he finally breathed his last on the cold bed of the hospital on August 9, 2024.
Ilias was not just a protester. He was a symbol of resistance against discrimination. Fighting for justice was in his blood. When the whole country was turbulent, when people took to the streets for their rights and dignity, Ilias could never sit at home. The suffering of the helpless, oppressed people of the country had deeply touched his heart. He never stepped back from protesting against any injustice.
He wanted to break the inhuman chains and light the torch of equality. This sacrifice of his was an irreparable loss not only for his family but for the entire nation. Ilias was one of those brave people whose lives illuminate the country. Today, along with the grief of a family losing their guardian in his death, the country has also lost an ideal soldier, who was never afraid to fight for the truth. His departure in this way has cast a deep shadow of grief in our minds, but his sacrifice will give us the strength to fight for justice. The sacrifice of people like Elias Hossain will be a beacon of courage and inspiration on our life's journey.
Personal Information of Shaheed Md. Elias Hussain at a Glance
Full Name: MD Elias Hossain
Year of Birth: 08/05/1997
Occupation: Student
Permanent and Current Address: Chandshi, Union: Chandshi, Thana: Gournadi, District: Barishal
Father's Name: Md. Faruk Khan, Occupation: Age: 65 years
Mother's Name: Mst. Rekha Begum, Age: 52 years
Monthly Income: 7,500/-
Source of Income: Elder brother's income
Number of Family Members: 6 people
Number of Siblings: 2 brothers, 2 sisters
Siblings:
1. Md. Mohsin Khan, Age: 34, Occupation: Auto Driver, Relationship: Brother
2. Tuhin Khan, Age: 28, Expatriate (Brunei), Relationship: Brother
3. Sumi Akter, Age: 18, Relationship: Sister
4. Shanta Akter, Age: 17, Relationship: Sister
Place of Incident: Mohammadpur Chourasta, Dhaka
Assailant: Terrorist Chhatra League
Time of Injury: August 4, 2024, 4:00 PM
Time of Death: August 9, 2024, 6:00 PM
Location of Martyr’s Grave: Family Graveyard