Md. Hridoy Howlader

"A golden bird was lost"
Shaheed Md. Hridoy Howlader

Md. Hridoy Howlader. A fighter born in Jhalokati Sadar, a reflection of a simple man. This young man, who grew up in an ordinary family in Shiryug village of Jhalokati, was born on January 1, 2004. His father's name is Shaheed Howlader. His father is an assistant to a mason by profession, who has spent 40 springs of his life through hard work. And mother Kulsum Begum, age is only 36, a housewife. by profession. This family of five, including younger brother Riyad Howlader (12) and younger sister Morium (05), was constantly fighting against the harsh reality of life.
The daily needs of this family were met with the father's daily wages and the money earned by the martyr working in a grocery store. With a monthly income of 15,000 Taka, life was somehow going on, but the scope of dreams always seemed limited. Yet he was a determined young man. Hridoy was not only responsible to his family but also, He was also immensely responsible to the country.
On July 19, 2024, at 6 pm, he was shot by the police of the autocratic Hasina and died at 8 pm.
Description of the incident
Shaheed Md. Hridoy Howlader lived in a small house at the end of a narrow alley in Avenue-5 area of Mirpur. The financial hardship of the family made him face the harsh reality of life from his childhood. In a family that depends on daily wages, poverty is a constant companion. Running the family of five was a big challenge. Shaheed Hridoy cherished a strong desire to do something for his family from a young age.
Hridoy was interested in studies, but due to the reality of the situation, he could not progress much. The thought of having to do something for the family haunted him. He took a job in a grocery store in Mirpur, where he started working for a monthly salary of 15,000 Taka. Although the household expenses were somehow met with this limited income, it was very difficult. Earlier, he had taken a loan of 5 lakh Taka for lung surgery, which was a huge burden on his family. Repaying that loan was his main objective.
He continued to work despite his physical illness. The economic crisis, the burden of debt and family responsibilities made Hridoy even stronger. He was fighting for his family, ignoring his own suffering. But he had a responsibility towards the society in his mind. His position against discrimination, corruption and social injustice was firm. Hridoy never lost his sympathy for the neglected people of the society. When the anti-discrimination student movement started in July 2024, Hridoy also made his position clear. Fighting against discrimination became a moral responsibility for him.
On July 19, Hridoy left home in the afternoon to join the student-public movement. It was the moment before evening. The number of injured and dead in the armed attack of Chhatra League-Jubo League was increasing. At the same time, the tension of the movement had also intensified. Yet the protesters were not willing to give up. Ignoring all police obstacles, the protesters were on the streets. Slogans against exploitation and discrimination were in their voices. Mirpur-10 turned into a battlefield due to the attack of the police and Hasina's goons. The tragic incident happened in the evening. The police started firing indiscriminately. Suddenly a bullet hit Hridoy's chest. The bullet directly hit his lungs. Right there; where the surgery had been done before. The injured martyr was quickly taken to the Alok Hospital in Mirpur by his comrades. But due to lack of time and the serious condition of the situation, the last resort was not possible.
His life lamp went out before reaching the hospital gate. At 8 o'clock the hospital doctors declared him dead. A shadow of mourning fell over the entire area due to his death. Family, friends, comrades gathered together to bid him farewell and arranged for his burial at the Kalshi Graveyard at 5 in the morning.
Although Shaheed Hridoy's life war ended, his story of struggle is still alive. His fight against oppression and discrimination will always inspire us. Hridoy's sacrifice will show the way to a brighter future like a lamp.
Description of the family's financial condition
A deep crisis has descended on Shaheed Hridoy Howlader's family due to his death. Due to not having any significant land and taking a loan of about 5 lakh Taka for the treatment of Hridoy's long-standing lung disease, they have fallen into a critical condition. Hridoy was trying to take care of the family by earning 15,000 Taka per month, but due to his sudden death, that income has stopped, making the family condition even more vulnerable. Hridoy's father is struggling to run a family of 4 members without Hridoy.
Relatives' statements
Shaheed Hridoy Howlader's cousin became emotional while talking. He said, "It breaks my heart to say how he was. He had a gentle heart. He never hurt anyone in words, deeds, or behavior. I knew him better than my own younger brother. He has no bad record. When he had lung surgery, people from all over the area cried for him. Whoever could, helped. After being killed by police bullets, people cried for him in the same way. He was the eldest son of the family. The tall and handsome brother was our symbol of hope and trust. He used to take care of the family. He has no comparison. A golden bird was lost. Indeed, the brother was our asset."
Proposals
This family needs help. Their condition is currently critical. First, there is a lack of a safe residence. Currently, the martyr's family is living in a rented house. Second, if a business is established for the father, he will be able to become self-reliant. Third, financial assistance is needed for the education of the younger brothers and sisters of the family. Because their education has become uncertain.
If these proposals are implemented, the family will have the opportunity to dream again. A safe residence, a business opportunity for the father, and the assurance of education for the younger siblings will open new horizons in their lives. A little help can bring prosperity to their family. But the loss of a dear relative can never be filled.
Martyr's Profile at a Glance
Full Name of the Martyr : Md. Hridoy Howlader
Date of Birth : 01-01-2004
Place of Birth : Jhalokati
Professional Identity : Grocery store employee
Monthly Income : 15000/-
Source of Income : Job in a grocery store
Permanent Address : Village: Shiryug, Union: Shiryug Pratapur, Thana: Sadar, District: Jhalokati
Current Address : House: Avenue-5, Area Mirpur 10, Thana: Kafrul, District: Dhaka
Father's Name : Md. Shaheed Howlader
Father's Profession and Age : Assistant Mason, 40 years old
Mother's Profession and Age : Housewife, 36 years old
Mother's Name : Kulsum Begum
Younger Brother : Riyad Howlader (12), Reads in 5th grade
Younger Sister : Morium (5)
Number of Family Members : 5 people
Place of Incident : Mirpur 10
Assailant : Kafrul Police Station Police Force
Time of Injury : July 19, 2024, 6 PM
Date and Time of Death : July 19, 2024, 8 PM
Location of the Martyr's Grave : Kalshi, Mirpur