Md. Russell Bakaul

Russell Bakaul was born on June 10, 2002, in Purba Rajargaon village, Chandpur district, to Nurul Islam Bakaul (50) and Neelu Akter (42). As the youngest child in a farming family, his birth was considered a blessing for his loved ones.
Russell was a kind, modest, and compassionate young guy who was loved by his family and the entire village from an early age. His entire existence was characterized by accountability and honesty, which helped to mold him into a very moral individual. His heart stayed loyal to his homeland even though he was working at a Thai glass industry to help feed his family. That intense passion was demonstrated by his strong involvement in Bangladesh's quota reform struggle.
Russel, a fearless warrior for justice and equality, walked forward with quiet yet unwavering determination. Though his life was short, the sacrifice and courage he demonstrated will forever remain a beacon of inspiration for his village, his family, and the nation.
Economic Condition of Shaheed Russell Bakaul
Russell Bakaul, like Shaheed Tanvir Siddiqui, was a valiant warrior in the struggle for justice. However, he grew up in extreme poverty. His father was a small-scale farmer who, due to a lack of land, had to work as a day laborer on others' fields. As the sole breadwinner of the family, the burden of survival rested on his shoulders, yet his earnings were never enough.
Russell’s mother, a housewife, struggled daily to put food on the table with the limited resources they had. The family lived in a small hut that would flood during the rainy season and leave them shivering in the winter.
Poverty robbed Russell of a carefree childhood. While other children of his age laughed and played on their way to school, Russell would sit beside his mother, watching her weary, sorrowful face, wondering how to end their suffering. Despite carrying a burden far beyond his years, he firmly believed that one day he would break the chains of poverty. His dream was to become like Tanvir, a symbol of justice and a voice for the oppressed.
After Tanvir’s martyrdom, Russell became even more determined. However, his own life was a story of inequality and deprivation. His family’s monthly income was minimal, and surviving on half-empty stomachs became a routine fate. He knew that without struggle, nothing could be achieved. Russell was determined to continue his studies, even though, at times, they could not even afford to buy books.
His mother often said, "Russell, one day you will grow up and free us from all these struggles." Her words gave him strength, even though the harsh reality of poverty stood in his way.
The Martyrdom Incident
The morning of August 5, 2024, felt different. The sun appeared reddish, as if wrapped in a layer of blood. Suddenly, dark clouds gathered, followed by a heavy downpour—a rain that would later be remembered as a sign of the dictator’s downfall.
Across the country, students marched toward Dhaka in a "Road to Dhaka" movement, demanding the resignation of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Among them was Russell Bakaul, one of the brave warriors. The Jatrabari area in Dhaka became a battlefield. On the morning of August 5, 2024, Russell joined a protest rally for the quota reform movement in Jatrabari along with four of his friends.
At 10:30 AM, as the rally reached Jatrabari, police suddenly launched an attack, using batons and live ammunition to disperse the protesters. A bullet fired by the police pierced Russell’s body from the right side and exited from the left. His friends immediately rushed him to Matuail Hospital in Dhaka. However, upon arrival at 10:33 AM, doctors pronounced him dead.
This brutal killing made Russell a martyr, and his death became one of the most heartbreaking chapters in the history of the quota reform movement.
Feelings About Shaheed Russell
The family, relatives, classmates, and villagers of Shaheed Russell Bakaul hold deep respect and love for him. Russell was a calm, polite, and hardworking young man. His commitment to his family and friendly nature made him beloved by all. Although he worked at a Thai glass factory in Dhaka, his heart was dedicated to fighting for justice and equality. This passion led him to join the quota reform movement.
Russell’s mother, Neelu Begum, recalled how, despite being the youngest in the family, he always tried to take responsibility for everyone. His father, Nurul Islam, described him as the pride of their family, and his loss was an irreparable tragedy for them.
Russell’s friends and classmates described him as an idealistic young man whose sacrifice inspired them. The villagers viewed his martyrdom as a great sacrifice for the country, believing that youth like Russell spark the beginning of change in society.
His neighbor, Sohag Bakaul, said,
"Russell was a regular prayer-goer. He always encouraged others to pray. He was calm, well-mannered, and never treated anyone badly."
Shaheed Russell Bakaul at a Glance
Name: Russell Bakaul
Date of Birth: June 10, 2002
Occupation: Thai Glass Factory Worker
Permanent Address: Purbo Razargaon, Hajiganj, Chandpur
Father: Nurul Islam Bakaul, Occupation - Farmer, Age - 50
Mother: Neelu Akter, Occupation - Housewife, Age - 42
Number of Family Members: 8
Siblings:
• Elder Sister: Mrs. Hasina (28), Married
• Elder Brother: Hasan Bakaul (25), Shopkeeper
• Younger Brother: Kausar Bakaul (18), Day Laborer
• Younger Brother: Ruhul Amin (22), Maulvi (Islamic Scholar)
• Younger Sister: Rekha (27), Married
• Younger Sister: Rehena Akter (16), 11th-grade Student at Bahargao Fazil Madrasa
Personal Traits:
• Calm and kind-hearted
• Regular in prayers
• Lived in Dhaka for studies
Death Details:
• Place of Death: Jatrabari, Dhaka
• Date of Death: August 5, 2024
• Cause of Death: Shot dead by police during the anti-discrimination movement
• Funeral Location: Razargaon Bazar Central Eidgah Ground
• Burial: Family graveyard at home
Proposed Support Measures:
1. Financial support for victim family’s daily expenses, medical costs, and education to be provided
2. Establishing a business for his father would be beneficial
3. Providing financial support for the younger siblings' education