Rafiqul Islam

In the peaceful and verdant village of Thollakandi, which is located in the Brahmanbaria district's Nabnagar Upazila, nature appears to have lavished itself with verdant woodlands. On December 31, 2000, Shaheed Rafiqul Islam was born in this quiet village, brightening the home of Sofia Begum and Mohammad Momin. Rafiqul turned into their ray of hope. However, at the young age of eleven, Rafiqul tragically lost his father's loving shade. Rafiqul, an orphan, then started to grow up struggling under his mother's care, his life's struggle beginning in the midst of hardship and poverty. Rafiqul persisted in spite of his mother's low resources. He was accepted to Thollakandi KG School after completing the fifth grade at the nearby Thollakandi Government Primary School.
The Economic Condition of Shaheed's Family
His family has experienced a profound stagnation since Shaheed Rafiqul Islam's martyrdom. Once barely able to make ends meet, this family is now shattered by the overwhelming force of bad luck. Shafiqul Islam, Rafiqul's older brother, was the family's only provider. Driving a pickup van helped him manage the home in some way, but a car accident sent his life into a downward spiral. His leg bones were damaged as a result of severe injuries to both legs, and five rings have been inserted into his legs, per medical professionals. Once capable of working, Shafiqul is now a victim of infirmity. And there is now very little chance of recuperation. He worries about how he will handle his mother, sister, and wife every day. Who will now lead this dysfunctional family?
However, Sofia Begum, his mother, has gone nearly insane. She weeps uncontrollably for the premature passing of her youngest son, Rafiqul. She sobs repeatedly and asks, "What did my little diamond do wrong? Why did they murder him? Now who's going to feed me? Who is going to look after us? She asks inquiries that don't appear to have any answers. Although her tears have stopped, the sadness fire still burns brightly inside her chest. A deep picture of mercy has now descended upon this family. The physically ill Shafiqul, the almost mad mother, and the other members of the grief-stricken family seem to be counting the painful moments of their lives. The martyrdom of Shaheed Rafiqul has marked the beginning of not only his life but also a difficult reality for his family.
Feelings About the Martyr
Shaheed Rafiqul Islam was a courageous young man, in whose heart the fire of patriotism was always burning. Standing at the forefront of the movement every day, he used to raise the flag of justice with his comrades. His bravery had become a firm voice among countless protesting voices. Politically, he was a supporter of the nationalist movement, which had immense love for the country and a fight against discrimination at its core. But Rafiqul was not just a fighter, he was the helmsman of a responsible family. After the illness of his brother Shafiqul Islam, he unhesitatingly took over all the expenses of his treatment. He used to work in Dhaka and send money regularly to the family, so that he could alleviate some of the suffering of his mother by pulling the cart of the family. Every step of his was dedicated to the well-being of the family. Amidst the movement on the one hand and the responsibility towards the family on the other, he never took a break.
He was a simple, sociable young man to the locals. Neighbor Rafiqul Islam says in pain, "Shaheed Rafiqul Islam was a very simple-minded young man. His responsibility towards his family was immense. He lost his life in police firing while he was busy collecting money for his brother's treatment. We want justice for this murder." Rafiqul's death seems to have cast a dark shadow over the entire area. The locals are mourning his death, they are speechless as if they have lost a dear son. This grief is not only of the family, but of the whole village, who have lost a brave, responsible young man. Shaheed Rafiqul Islam is no longer with us today, but his bravery, his struggle, his self-sacrifice will live forever in our hearts.
Description of Martyrdom
July 18, 2024, to August 5—these few days will be written in black letters in the history of Bangladesh. Every day was fear, panic, and uncertainty. The complete shutdown program called by the anti-discrimination student movement, which started on July 21, spread the fire of protest across the country. And Shaheed Rafiqul Islam was one of their fearless warriors. Like every day, he was at the forefront of the movement with the students that day as well. Around 4 pm, Rafiqul went out to withdraw money from Bikash near Chittagong Road to collect the treatment expenses for his sick elder brother, Shafiqul Islam. At that moment, there was a chase and counter-chase between the police and the Chhatra League on the street. There were only slogans and sounds of panic all around. Rafiqul, in a completely innocent state, was walking along the sidewalk. But the oppressive autocrat never remains silent. Before anything could be understood, a bullet fired by the police from behind hit Rafiqul's body. Everything turned dark before his eyes, and he fell to the ground.
The protesters rescued the bleeding Rafiqul and took him to the nearest hospital, but the doctor on duty there declared him dead. Rafiqul did not return, but the bloodstain was not erased from that sidewalk of Chittagong Road. Rafiqul Islam was always vocal against Sheikh Hasina's autocratic rule. He never bowed down to discrimination, corruption, or torture. During Sheikh Hasina's rule, one after another incidents of repression and oppression have happened. Silencing the voices of journalists, brutally suppressing the opposition party, and killing students and the public by shooting—these were all her brutal tactics to hold on to power. Rafiqul also protested against it fearlessly. He was a living symbol of the struggle against discrimination and injustice. His protest was for justice, his life was a courageous journey. Today, his loss of life is a grief for us, but his bravery will forever be our inspiration.
Proposals
There is no one to earn in this family. Let something be done for the family from which at least 20,000 taka will come every month. 2 CNGs or autos can be bought from which 1000 taka can be earned daily from rent. Estimated cost is 10 lakh taka.
Shaheed Rafiqul Islam at a Glance
Name: Rafiqul Islam
Date of Birth and Age: December 31, 2000, 23 years old
Occupation: Plastic company employee
Permanent Address: Village: Thollakandi, Union: Barikandi, Police Station/Upazila: Nabinagar, District: Brahmanbaria
Father: Late Mohammad Momin
Mother: Sufia Begum, Age 50, Housewife
Number of Family Members: 04
Number of Siblings: 2
1. Shafiqul Islam - Age - 25, ill, relation: brother
2. Sonia Akter, Age - 22, unemployed
Place of Martyrdom: Chittagong Road
Perpetrator: Police Force
Date of Injury and Martyrdom: July 21, 2024, Sunday, approximately 4 PM
Buried: Thollakandi, Barikandi, Nabinagar, Brahmanbaria
Grave's GPS Location: 23°48'20.6"N 90°54'28.3"E
Details of Siblings: Only elder brother is ill, only younger sister is at home