Md. Faisal Sarkar

Md. Faisal Sarkar was born on November 15, 1999, to his parents Shafiqul Islam Sarkar and Hajera Begum. He was the first son in the family after six daughters. He was born and raised in Kachisair village of Debidwar Upazila in Comilla. Due to poverty, he worked as a supervisor in a Shyamoli vehicle to earn a living. Faisal was an HSC candidate at SM Mozammel Haque Technical School and Business Management College.
The Context of the Movement
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 RAB, began attacking unarmed students and civilians participating in the protests.
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 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 defendant 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 RAB, 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.
Joining the Movement
On Friday afternoon, July 19, 2024, the revolutionary Md. Faisal Sarkar left his home to join the anti-discrimination student-public movement. He participated in a peaceful rally in the Abdullahpur area.
How He Became a Martyr
Shaheed Faisal Sarkar was a meritorious student. To support the family's expenses, he worked part-time as a supervisor in a Shyamoli vehicle alongside his studies. Faisal regularly participated as a supporter of the quota reform movement. On July 19, he left home in the afternoon saying he would go to the Shyamoli transport counter in Abdullahpur. In the Abdullahpur area of the capital, a bullet fired by the killers hit his head in connection with the quota reform movement. When family members could not find him anywhere, they filed a GD at the Dakshin Khan police station on July 28. Twelve days later, on Thursday (August 1), when they inquired at Anjuman Mufidul Islam; they were shown pictures of the unidentified bodies buried there, where they found a picture of Faisal's body. When asked where he was buried, they said that 1015 bodies were buried in a mass grave at once, and they could not say where anyone was buried. With tearful eyes, Shaheed Faisal's father, the elderly Md. Shafiqul Islam Sarkar, said, "Faisal was born after my six daughters."
How Faisal's Family Is Doing After Losing Him
Losing Shaheed Faisal has cast a shadow of darkness and sorrow over his family. Because Shaheed Faisal was the lifeblood of the family. Upon hearing the news of Shaheed Faisal's death, his mother's tearful wail, "Someone give me my son's life back, alas, my Nimai was shot in such a way that his brain and skull were blown away. What heartless person shot my son, didn't his heart tremble a bit? I searched for my son in so many places, no one could say where he was, I went to the police station, I went from this hospital to that hospital, I couldn't find him anywhere. After 12 days, I found out that my son was buried as an unclaimed corpse, I don't even know where my precious one is buried, I won't even be able to stand by the grave and call out Faisal's name, oh Faisal, where are you lying down." In this way, the loving mother is wailing and fainting again and again. There is no accurate information about the death and burial of Shaheed Faisal Sarkar, who was shot in the head in Abdullahpur, the capital, during the quota reform movement. But Shaheed Faisal was injured on July 19. Twelve days after being injured, it was learned that Faisal was buried in a mass grave.
Neighbor's Statement
Shaheed Faisal was a gentleman. He used to participate in the movement after praying. He lived in harmony with everyone at home. He was a hardworking and gentle boy.
Family Financial Condition
Shaheed Faisal is a meritorious student. He himself was the only source of livelihood for the family. He used to work as a supervisor in a Shyamoli vehicle alongside his studies. Now the family's economic driving force is no more. Currently, his family's financial condition is very dire. The only resources they have to run the family are some homestead lands.
Funeral and Burial
Shaheed Faisal Sarkar was buried in a mass grave at Anjuman Mufidul Islam as an unclaimed body.
Shaheed Shahadat Md. Faisal Sarkar: A Summary
Name: Md. Faisal Sarkar
Profession: Supervisor in a Shyamoli vehicle
Date of Birth & Age: November 15, 1999, and 25 years old (approximately)
Permanent Address: Village: Kachisair, Post Office: Dhamti, Upazila: Debidwar, District: Comilla
Father: Shafiqul Islam Sarkar
Mother: Hajera Begum
Special Information: Shaheed Faisal was injured on July 19. It was learned 12 days after being injured that Faisal was buried in a mass grave.
Proposals
1. Provide a one-time financial grant to the martyr's family.
2. Arrange for the education of the younger brother.
3. Regularly inquire about the helpless family due to the death of the sole earning male member.