Md. Zahid Hossain Rabbi

Md. Zahid Hossain Rabbi is an enterprising and talented person, who is an example among the young generation of the present time. He passed SSC from Amanul Ideal School and College, which is an important chapter of his educational life. Besides studying, he is interested in graphic designing and has also taken training in this field. His birth date is August 11, 2005. This is a very moving and informative piece about the student protests in Bangladesh and the tragic death of Zahid Hossain Rabbi. Here's a translation into English, keeping the emotional impact of the original:
The Aftermath
Since Zahid's passing, his father has been consumed by deep grief and mental anguish. The sudden and untimely loss of his beloved son has utterly shattered his life. For the father, losing Zahid is not just a devastating blow, but the permanent loss of an irreplaceable part of his daily existence.
The Context of the Movement
From the very inception of Bangladesh, its people have endured relentless injustice, exploitation, oppression, and tyranny. Throughout history, the freedom-loving masses have risen up against such atrocities, answering the call of the times. Students have consistently joined hands with the struggling populace, echoing their demands. History bears witness to the fact that movements and struggles for change have often been initiated by students during critical junctures in the nation's history. When the vehicle of Bangladesh seemed to have its brakes failed, and its passengers, the people of Bangladesh, were gripped by terror; when all around there was suffering, pain, cries, lamentation, and clear signs of imminent destruction, it is only natural that such barbarity of the state machinery would leave a deep scar on the mind of a young, aware, and perpetrator Azizul Mia. After all, he is witnessing everything firsthand. He hears with his own ears the desperate cries of the people; the wailing of wounded hearts. He sees with his own eyes how innocent people are being indiscriminately murdered by the oppressive groups masquerading as rulers.
The 15 years of Awami misrule, electoral theft, corruption, murder, injustice, and oppression had created a deeply negative reaction in the public mind. The Awami government once again began to conspire to reinstate the quota system. In 2018, faced with fierce protests from students, Sheikh Hasina relented and accepted all demands, but in her heart, she harbored a volcano of hatred. Thus, after consolidating power in 2024 through an election devoid of any opposition, the Hasina government once more sought to bring back the quota system. From July 1st, a continuous movement began demanding reforms in the quota system in government jobs.
This non-violent movement turned violent on July 15th. Armed cadres of the Chhatra League, Jubo League, Shechashebok League, and the police, along with members of the Joi Bangla Bahini, began attacking unarmed students and civilians participating in the protests. After the martyrdom of Abu Sayeed in Rangpur, the movement transformed into a mass uprising. The quota reform movement gradually evolved into a people's movement. It spread across the country as a movement against discrimination by students and the general public. What began as a non-violent movement by ordinary students gradually turned into an uprising against the fascist government. This movement was no longer confined to students alone; it became a massive popular uprising of the country's masses. People from all walks of life, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion, expressed solidarity with this uprising and took to the streets. Faced with the wrath of the people, the autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign on August 5th. But before step down, she left behind a trail of heinous and perverse misdeeds of her twisted mind. As part of this, armed forces were unleashed on the protesters and many innocent people. Unarmed and oppressed people were martyred by their bullets.
Joining the Movement
In July 2024, Shaheed Zahid learned about the movement against discrimination by students and the general public. Four years earlier, in 2018, ordinary university students had initiated a student movement against the quota system. That year, they were forced to return home empty-handed due to the autocratic Hasina government's stubbornness and obduracy. That movement of ordinary students returned in 2024 under the name of the anti-discrimination student movement.
Shaheed Zahid Hossain Rabbi was even younger then. So, he was not part of that quota movement. Being young, no one had explained it to him either. However, though he didn't understand the quota movement, Shaheed Zahid was with his classmates in the Safe Road movement called by young students of schools, colleges, and madrasas that year. That year, they had been on the streets for a long time protesting against the fascist Awami government.
With the young children, Shaheed Zahid had come to realize how much struggle and sacrifice is needed in this country even for the realization of logical and just demands. That is why this movement against the corrupt and autocratic government was familiar to him; this road was known to him.
In June 2024, the students saw that once again they were falling prey to the cunning tactics of the government that believed in discrimination. So, from the very beginning of July, when the university students determined the streets as the final destination for the realization of their demands, Shaheed Zahid began to regularly inquire about the movement in between his studies.
The systematic movement of the common students of different universities of the country was going on in the streets. Meanwhile, the autocratic Awami government took up arms against the unarmed common students. On July 16, the killer police of Gopalis indiscriminately shot at the innocent and unarmed students who were participating in the movement.
Six students from different universities, including Abu Sayeed of Rangpur Rokeya University, were martyred. This incident caused an uproar in every public and private university in the country. Many school and college students joined the movement. Md. Zahid Hossain Rabbi also joined.
How He Became a Martyr
Zahid called his father and said, "Father, I will go to the procession today." With his father's permission, he participated in the protest march. After four o'clock in the afternoon, a phone call came, informing them that Zahid had been shot. Five bullets were found in his body, which seriously injured him. This tragic incident of the talented Zahid has cast a shadow of mourning over the family and the local community.
The Condition of Md. Zahid Hossain's Family
After the death of Md. Zahid Hossain Rabbi, his family is in deep mourning and sorrow. His untimely death has created an immense void for the family. The untimely departure of a promising young man has left his family facing extreme mental anguish. While Zahid's sacrifice and bravery are a source of pride for them, his absence has left a lasting emptiness and sorrow in their daily lives. The family is praying for his soul to rest in peace and for solace, and they are trying to honor his memory, although this painful absence has deeply touched their hearts.
Statements from Neighbors and Friends
Shaheed Md. Zahid Hossain Rabbi was a good, virtuous, and compassionate person. I have deep respect and love for him." This comment from Abu Sayeed expresses his sincere love and gratitude towards Shaheed Zahid Hossain Rabbi, which further highlights his greatness and influence.
Financial Condition of the Family
The economic condition of Md. Zahid Hossain's family reflects a limited middle-class environment. His father is a small businessman who runs a panjabi shop in the local market. The income from the business is not sufficient, but it is necessary to meet the basic needs of the family. The income from the business, although insufficient for the family's overall stability, is somewhat helpful.
Shaheed Md. Zahid Hossain Rabbi's family is an ordinary middle-class family. His father is a small businessman who runs a small business in the local market. Due to the limited income from the business, the economic condition of the family is also ordinary. The father is busy with business activities every day, and his earnings are mainly used to meet the basic needs of the family. Zahid Hossain Rabbi's mother is a housewife, who takes care of all the household chores and other daily responsibilities of the family. Despite the slight financial pressure, family unity and mutual support have a positive impact on their ongoing life.
Proposals
1. Housing is needed.
2. It would be beneficial if a business establishment could be set up for the father.
3. Assistance could be provided to cover the educational expenses of the younger siblings.
Shaheed Md. Zahid Hossain Rabbi: A Snapshot
Name: Md. Zahid Hossain Rabbi
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Date of Birth & Age: August 11, 2005
Assailant: Killer Police of the Autocratic Government
Date of Martyrdom: 2-3 (The exact date is unclear from the information given)
Place of Martyrdom: In front of Khilket Molla Pharmacy
Burial: His native area
Grave's GPS Location: 23°34'02.7"N 91°02'29.8"E
Permanent Address: Khairabad, Jafarganj, Debidwar, Comilla
Father: Md. Fazr Ashi, Small Business Owner, 49 years old
Mother: Ayesha Begum, Housewife
Number of Family Members: 6