Zakir Hossain (Shakib)

Zakir Hossain Shakib, a priceless asset of his time, was a courageous young man who became one of the burning torches of the anti-discrimination movement. Born on May 21, 2005, in Mandana village of Sonagazi Upazila under Feni district, Shakib was a fighter from his childhood and a symbol of standing up against injustice. His father, Abdul Latif, was a foreign worker, and his mother, Kohinur Akter, was a homemaker who worked hard to raise her children. Shakib had two younger brothers - Zahidul Hasan (a tailor) and Junaid Islam (a child). Although the family was not financially well-off, Shakib had boundless willpower and a strong desire to do something for his country.
In 2024, students across the country launched a movement against the discriminatory policies of Sheikh Hasina's government. Shakib also took part in the leadership of this movement, and his voice against discrimination and injustice became even stronger. On August 4, 2024, Shakib was brutally killed while participating in a peaceful sit-in program in Mohipal area of Feni city. In an armed attack led by Zia Uddin Bablu, a terrorist leader of the Awami League's Jubo League, Shakib was shot in the head and died on the spot. That day, the road was stained with Shakib's blood.
Shakib is gone, but his death will remain a new inspiration and source of courage for us to fight. In exchange for his blood, he has given us invincible courage, inspiration to stand against injustice. His grave is in Mohipal, Feni, where he was laid to rest. Shaheed Shakib will live forever in our hearts, as a fighting warrior who continued the fight against discrimination at the cost of his own life.
Incident Description
On August 4, 2024, Mohipal in Feni became a bloody chapter in the history of the anti-discrimination student-public movement. A group of unarmed, oppressed students took part in a protest in the Mohipal area of the Dhaka-Chittagong highway to demand their just rights. They had courage in their hearts, only a few placards in their hands, and slogans of just demands on their lips. They were fighting an unequal war, where their only weapons were truth and justice.
Before 2 pm, the entire sky of Feni became heavy with the roar of bombs and bullets, and the ground became frightening with the ferocity of the Awami oppressors. A group of armed Awami League activists advanced from Trunk Road in the city towards the Mohipal flyover, where the protesting students were waiting. Shakib was among them - a young man whose dream was to make this country stand on the ground of equality and justice. But on the way to that dream, the darkness of death brought that day's terrorist attack.
The armed Awami League activists suddenly started firing indiscriminately at the unarmed protesters. The entire area was shaken by the sound of heavy gunfire. One after another bullet, cocktail explosion, and black smoke in the sky; that afternoon seemed to give birth to an accursed memory. The helpless students were forced to throw bricks and stones in self-defense, but their resistance was very weak because they had no weapons in their hands, only courage.
In the hours-long clash, bloody bodies were scattered all around. At least nine students, journalists, and passers-by, including Shakib, were killed. Their lives were cut short in this brutal attack. Their dreams were mixed with streams of blood, and a deep wound remained in the hearts of the protesters and grief in the hearts of their relatives.
The CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts of that day claim only one thing - the Awami League activists were behind this brutal massacre. They were armed and attacked innocent students, brutally taking their lives. Although Shakib's dreams were erased, his blood-stained path will one day bring the demand for justice, with this hope the surviving comrades hold on. It was a terrible day, from which a new history will emerge - a fight against discrimination, where many, including young Shakib, had to sacrifice their lives for justice. Yet their demand was small - a discrimination-free society. But that day, with that dream, Shakib's life was extinguished, leaving behind endless questions and deep sorrow.
How is the Martyr's Family?
The family of Shaheed Zakir Hossain (Shakib) is today in a tragic chapter of grief and helplessness. The mother has no words, she seems speechless. Whenever she tries to say anything, tears come to her eyes, she breaks down in tears again and again. All the pain and suffering of the world seem to have accumulated in the heart of this mother who lost her child. The father, from abroad, only sheds tears, regretting that he did not see the last face of his beloved son.
Their only demand is that those who brutally murdered their son be severely punished. The financial condition of this family is extremely weak, they are plagued by various problems. They do not have a permanent roof over their heads, and the younger brother of the martyr, Zahidul Islam, also urgently needs employment. The helpless look of the family repeatedly touches our hearts, in the feeling of pain they seek justice and help from us.
The story of this family's suffering is like a real reflection of our society, where the memory of the martyr is eternal, but the family is struggling to survive.
Statements/Feelings of Close Relatives and Friends about the Martyr
The martyr's mother says, "I want justice for the murder of my innocent child."
"May those who brutally murdered my son be severely punished."
Shakib's friends say, "He was gentle and polite. He had no bad habits. He was a devout Muslim. His cruel death was not desirable. We want severe punishment for those who killed him. Such a killing cannot be accepted for participating in a just movement."
The expatriate father claims, "They didn't even let me see my son's last farewell face. How can I bear the death of my child in my lifetime? I want exemplary punishment for those who killed my beloved son."
Description of the Family's Economic Condition
Shaheed Shakib's family had been in economic crisis for a long time. His father, Abdul Latif, lived abroad for the sake of livelihood, as he was the only earning member of the family. The family was always in hardship, and so Shakib also dreamed of going abroad to alleviate the family's poverty. He was trying to go abroad, but in the meantime, his life came to a tragic end. The family's economic hardship always haunted Shakib mentally, but he still dreamed - one day he would free the family from this plight.
Proposal
The family needs help. Two important proposals are being put forward for the improvement of the living standards of a helpless family:
First, they need a permanent and safe residence, as their current dilapidated house is seriously affecting their quality of life. A new house can ensure their safety, comfort and peace of mind.
Second, it is very important to arrange a good job for the family's younger brother, Zahid. If Zahid gets a job, their financial hardship will be reduced somewhat and it will help them meet their daily needs.
 
Personal Information of the Shaheed at a Glance
Name: Zakir Hossain (Shakib)
Date of Birth: 21-05-2005
Place of Birth: Feni
Occupation/Position: Driver
Native District: Feni
Professional Identity: Driving
Permanent Address: Village: Mandana, Union: Bogadana, Upazila: Sonagazi, District: Feni
Current Address: Mandana, Area: Sonagazi, District: Feni
Father's Name: Abdul Latif, Expatriate
Mother's Name: Kohinur Akter, Housewife
Relationship with Martyr: Mother
Number of Members: 3
Details of Siblings:
Name: Zahidul Hasan, Age: 16, Occupation: Tailor, Younger Brother
Name: Junaid Islam, Age: 6, Younger Brother
Address: Village: Mandari, Union: Bogadana, Upazila: Sonagazi, District: Feni
Housing and Economic Condition: House construction needed
Date of Injury and Martyrdom: August 4, 2024
Place of Martyrdom: Mohipal, Feni
Time of Death: August 4, 2024, 2:00 PM