Robin Mia Mithu

Robin Mia Mithu was a shoe store owner and a significant participant in the anti-discrimination student-public movement. A resident of Obaidpur village in Debidwar Upazila of Comilla, Robin Mia Mithu lived with his family in Donia, Dhaka. His shoe store was named Mithu Shoes, which was locally known. Robin's life was a symbol of social justice and the struggle against discrimination. His contributions and bravery have established him in a special position among the protesters.
The Context of the Movement
From the very beginning of Bangladesh's existence, its people have been the victims of various forms of injustice, exploitation, oppression, and tyranny. The freedom-loving people of this country have repeatedly stood up against such atrocities, responding to the call of the times. Students have also joined hands with the struggling masses, echoing their demands. Moreover, the glorious history of the country bears witnesses to the fact that movements and struggles for change have always been initiated by students during critical periods 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 vibrant 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 resigning, 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.
How He Became a Martyr
On August 5, 2024, Robin Mia Mithu was present in front of the Jatrabari police station as part of the anti-discrimination student-public movement. Students from various colleges and universities in Bangladesh were protesting for fair and just quota reforms. On that day, the protesters were peacefully expressing their demands, but the killer police unleashed by the fascist government suddenly attacked. Robin Mia Mithu was present as part of the movement and was peacefully protesting. The ruthless police officers indiscriminately opened fire on the protesters. At one point, Robin was shot twice in both legs and seven times in the chest. He immediately fell to the ground; the streets were stained with blood. Seriously injured, Robin was rescued by his friends and taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. However, due to excessive blood loss, he died that day. This barbaric behavior ensured his death and caused a deep loss to the student-public movement in Bangladesh.
Words from Family and Relatives
Robin Mia Mithu's death is a matter of deep sorrow for the family. His mother, Parveen Akter, who is 45 years old and a housewife, is extremely saddened by the death of her son. She says, "My son's absence has made our lives empty." Robin's wife, Tumpa Akter, who is a housewife and studying for honors, has expressed extreme despair at her husband's death. She says, "Robin was the support of our family. His death is a big blow for us." Robin's elder brother, Rubel, is an expatriate in the Middle East. He financially supports the family, but Robin's death has made the family's financial condition even more difficult. Robin's two young children, Sohan (3) and Md. Hadid Mia (15 months), are currently dependent on their mother. Robin's uncle, a retired police officer, is disappointed and angry at the barbaric behavior of the police. He said, "In my 37 years of police life, I have never fired a single bullet. The kind of barbarity the police have shown is highly condemnable."
Financial Condition of the Shaheed's Family
Robin Mia Mithu's death has made the family's financial condition critical. Robin was one of the earning members of the family, who ran his shoe factory. After his death, the family has become dependent on the expatriate income of his elder brother Rubel. There are two young children in his family, which makes it even more difficult to meet their daily expenses and educational expenses. In this situation, financial assistance is urgently needed for the financial security of the family.
Special Information about the Shaheed
Robin Mia Mithu was known for his bravery and commitment to justice. He regularly participated in the anti-discrimination student-public movement and was praised for his leadership and enthusiasm. His uncle, a retired police officer, was deeply disappointed by the brutality of the police. He said that he had never seen such behavior by the police in his long police career. Through Robin's death, the anti-discrimination student-public movement has lost an important leader.
Inspiration from the Shaheed
Robin Mia Mithu's life and death inspire us all. His bravery, his unwavering commitment to establishing justice, and his active participation in the anti-discrimination student-public movement are proof of his exemplary character. His life and death have increased unity and strength among the protesters. Robin's courage and sacrifice will further strengthen the movement in the days to come and will inspire everyone to fight for justice.
Shaheed Robin Mia Mithu was a strong and courageous leader of the anti-discrimination student-public movement. His life and death have provided an important lesson for all of us. It is our moral responsibility to help his family and society. Robin's struggle and sacrifice provide us with the inspiration to move forward on the path of justice.
Shaheed Robin Mia Mithu: A Summary
Name: Robin Mia Mithu
Profession: Businessman
Date of Birth: March 13, 1995
Address: Village: Obaidpur, Wahedpur, Union: Subil, Thana: Debidwar, District: Comilla
Father: Idris Mia, Deceased
Mother: Parveen Akter, Profession: Housewife, Age: 45
Place of Incident: In front of Jatrabari Police Station
Assailant: Terrorist Police Force of Autocratic Sheikh Hasina
Time of Injury: August 5, 2024, Time: 10:30 AM
Date and Time of Death: August 5, 2024, Time: 10:30 AM
Proposals
1. Provide a one-time financial grant to the family.
2. Provide appropriate assistance to the martyr's wife and children.
3. Make arrangements to keep the shoe factory running regularly.