Rubel Hossain

In the remote village of Char Hailakathi in the greater Barishal district, a brave man was born on January 8, 2002. His name was Rubel Hossain. Rubel was the youngest of five siblings.
Due to the family's financial constraints, he was working as a garment worker alongside his studies from a very young age. Getting a job was not his main objective. He could not tolerate the rising prices of goods and the unethical activities of the autocratic government. That is why he had to give his life. The family is speechless after losing their beloved youngest child. Due to the family's financial constraints, Rubel had the opportunity to study only up to the eighth grade. After this, he joined as a garment worker to alleviate the suffering of his poor family. The family's suffering did subside, but these foot-licking brokers of the autocratic government did not allow it to last long. The killers ended the dreams of his parents in an instant with the blow of a bullet.
Family's Economic Condition:
Rubel had a close-knit family with his elderly parents and four siblings. Rubel's income was used to cover the cost of medicines for his elderly parents. A lot of money is spent on medicine for his elderly parents every month. Even though the other two siblings are working in garments, it is becoming difficult to cover the cost of their parents' medicines. The family does not have any cropland. On 06 decimals of land, there is a small house with a tin roof and wood-tin fences where they barely manage to live day after day.
Background of the Incident:
Beginning of Joining the Movement:
Rubel used to watch the news on his mobile phone every day about the anti-discrimination student movement started by the students of Dhaka University. He also wished to join the movement. Sometimes, on his way back from his garment's office time, he would join the movement with the students. His mother forbade him from going to the movement, so he joined without informing her. It was partly out of a sense of conscience, and partly out of extreme anger towards the autocratic government.
On the last day of the autocratic regime's downfall, on August 5, in the afternoon, he joined the victory procession. Rubel joined the victory procession with thousands of students and common people celebrating in the victory procession from in front of Jatrabari police station. It was beyond the imagination of thousands of students and common people celebrating in the victory procession that the animal-like police force, who were licking the feet of the autocratic government, could launch a surprise attack on the procession or open fire. Overthrowing the imagination of the celebrating unarmed students and the public, the overzealous misguided police force launched a surprise attack on the protesters. In an instant, the victory procession turned into cries of agony. At that time, the Jatrabari area turned into a terrible battlefield. That is why this is a war fought even after independence, bound by the chains of subjugation. Suddenly, a police bullet hit Rubel's chest. Rubel immediately fell to the ground. The soil of this country was stained with Rubel's blood.
Rescue and Hospitalization:
The people around who were participating in the movement rescued the injured Rubel and took him to the hospital. Shortly after being taken to the hospital, the on-duty doctor declared Rubel dead.
Taking the Body to the Village and Burial:
In the presence of two more relatives of the family, the body was taken to their village home in Barishal in an ambulance. The shaheed Rubel's body was buried in the presence of numerous people from the area.
This is how countless brave Rubels of the country have been lost. Those who expressed their heroism by giving their lives. Perhaps, if they had lived, we would never have known about our country's love for their sacrifice. Thousands of Rubels have brought a new independence in exchange for their lives. We are able to see the country's independence, we are able to enjoy the fruits of independence. But Rubel has only given, and has not taken anything in return. We have only heard the cries of thousands of mothers who have lost their children. That is why our heartfelt desire is that the names of thousands of Rubels be written in gold letters in history for generations to come. So that they may know that we got an independent Bangladesh because there were brave souls like Rubel in this country.
Memories of the Martyr by Close Relatives:
The shaheed's mother said, "Rubel was my youngest child. The apple of my eye. Among my children, he was a very gentle and quiet boy. After losing my son, my tears have dried up from crying. But the pain and agony in my heart will remain until my death."
The shaheed's father said, "My son was a prayerful and humble person who prayed five times a day. He used to call us every day to inquire about our well-being. Our medical expenses were covered by his income. I hope that my son will be given the status of a shaheed by the state."
Elder Brother's Words: "My brother was a very good man. He always managed his own work, never said anything to anyone. After losing my only younger brother, I am not able to concentrate on work at all. I have countless memories with my brother. I am not able to forget my brother's memories in any way."
Younger Sister's Words: "My parents are very ill. My father cannot do any work. All the expenses were borne by my brother. Now it would be good if you could arrange some work for my younger brother."
Friend's Words: "Rubel was a very good boy. He was always happy and cheerful. He used to pray regularly. Rubel's presence in the circle of friends made us happy."
Uncle's Words: "My nephew was a very calm and gentle boy. He respected us very much. By losing him, we have lost something very valuable."
Proposals for Assistance:
1. Arranging treatment for his elderly parents.
2. Establishing a garment factory in his name.
Personal Information of the Martyr at a Glance
Full Name: Rubel Hossain
Date of Birth: January 8, 2002
Occupation: He was an Iron Man at PKD Garments Factory
Address: Village: Char Hailakathi Rampur, Union: Mathbari, Police Station: Rajapur, District: Jhalokati
Father's Name: Md. Malek Talukdar, Age: 75 years
Mother's Name: Rahima Begum, Age: 55 years, Occupation: Housewife
Family Members: 5
Siblings: 4
1. Sumon (43), Day Laborer
2. Sohel (27), Garment Officer
3. Najme (28), Garment Officer
4. Shahnaz (45), Married
Place of Incident: Ashulia Police Station, Dhaka
Assailant: Police
Date of Incident: August 5, 2024
Date and Time of Death: August 5, 2024
Location of Martyr's Grave: Family graveyard in the village home