Ikram Hossain Kausar

Ikram Hossain Kausar was a promising young man from Paglikul village in Rajshpur Union of Parshuram Upazila in Feni district. Born on January 1, 2000, Kausar was the middle son of Maulana Anwar Hossain and Ruma Akter. His father was a school teacher who, with his limited income, tried to educate his three children. Kausar's younger brother, Imran Hossain, is a student, and his elder sister, Jannatul Ferdaus, stood by the family.
Kausar loved to write poetry alongside his studies and was a student of the Department of Economics at Kabi Nazrul Government College. After achieving GPA-5 in both his SSC and HSC exams, he completed his Honors degree and was pursuing his Masters. His dream was to pass the BCS examination and alleviate his family's hardship. His father had sold land to cover his educational expenses, but that dream was cut short by police bullets.
On July 19, 2024, he was injured in a police attack in Laxmibazar, Dhaka, and embraced martyrdom at 4:15 PM. His family members left for Dhaka that night and brought his body back the next morning. Kausar was buried in his village, Parshuram.
Ikram was humble and hardworking. His deep focus on his studies and his responsibility towards his family made him dear to everyone. According to his mother, Kausar never wasted time unnecessarily; he was dedicated to his studies and preparing himself for the future.
Before Kausar's dreams could be fulfilled, he sacrificed his life for the country. The pain of losing his invaluable life is still alive in the hearts of his family and acquaintances.
Incident Description
The situation was tense across the country. Over a hundred people had been killed across the country in the past three days surrounding the nationwide blockade program. Internet service was completely shut down. The protesters announced that the 'complete shutdown' would continue until the 9-point demands were met.
In the morning, students from Mahanagar Mohila College, Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College, and Kabi Nazrul Government College joined the students of Jagannath University and started the movement. Many people who came to Dhaka to take job exams also joined the movement. They first tried to gather in the area adjacent to Bahadur Shah Park, but the police dispersed them. The students then took shelter in the alleys at the entrance to Banglabazar and started chanting slogans—"Quota or Merit, Merit Merit," "Why Abu Sayeed's death, Administration must answer," "Implementation of the nine demands, must be done, must be done," etc.
Although the movement was peaceful, the police suddenly became reckless. They started firing tear gas to disperse the students. Before the Jummah prayers, the situation became dire. The protesters gathered on Laxmibazar Road. The students of Shaheed Suhrawardy Government College were on one side, and the police were positioned in front of Bahadur Shah Park on the other.
The students offered Jummah prayers on the street that day. After the prayers, the number of general public and students increased in droves. The movement spread to the surrounding areas. The whole area was filled with slogans. The police, through loudspeakers, told the protesters to leave the street; otherwise, they would be shot.
To normalize the situation, a delegation of three students from Jagannath University went to the police and requested them not to attack and not to obstruct the students' peaceful program. But the police did not accept their request. The police response was, "We are here under the instructions of your Vice Chancellor." Then the protesters started chanting 'fake, fake' and continued to chant various slogans, including 'Why was my brother killed—we want justice, we want justice,' 'Quota or Merit—Merit Merit.'
As the situation became more heated, the police became aggressive. They started firing tear gas and sound grenades. The protesters set fire to the streets to protect themselves. The police continued to fire rubber bullets one after another. In response, the unarmed students started throwing brickbats. At one point, the police opened direct fire.
Martyr Ikram Hossain Kausar was a student of the Department of Economics at Kabi Nazrul Government College and an active member of the anti-discrimination movement. He had jumped into the fight for the rights of deprived students. On Friday, July 19, 2024, he was killed by police bullets. The incident took place in Patlakhan area of Old Dhaka's Laxmibazar.
During the anti-discrimination movement, many students' meals were irregular due to the closure of electricity and gas connections in various places in the capital on July 17 and 18. Ikram was one of them. On Friday, July 19, after Jummah prayers, a hungry Ikram ate rice from a floating shop and joined the movement. In the afternoon, the police became even more aggressive. At one point, the police chased the protesters from Kabi Nazrul College to Suhrawardy College. The protesters took shelter in the surrounding alleys. The police did not know these alleys, but the Jubo League terrorists accompanying them gave the police directions to the alleys.
At this time, the armed Chhatra League and Jubo League terrorists accompanying the police were urging the police to shoot. The police entered the alley and started firing sound grenades, tear gas, and bullets indiscriminately. The protesters were hiding in the Patlakhan area. Volunteers brought biscuits, bread, and water for the tired students. Ikram was opening a packet of Olympic biscuits and was about to eat one when a bullet hit his head from behind. Instantly, his head was shattered, and his brain spilled onto the street. The moving bullet hit another person's eye. He also died on the spot. The remaining biscuit and its packet were seen lying with Ikram's spilled brain.
A shopkeeper came forward and arranged for the brains to be sent to Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital in a polythene bag. Ikram was killed by direct police fire. His death ended his family's dream of him supporting them. After this brutal killing, Ikram's body was sent to Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital. His death became a cause of deep mourning not only for his family but for the entire movement. A shadow of grief descended over the campus.
That day, fear spread throughout Old Dhaka. The air in Laxmibazar was filled with the strong smell of tear gas, and the common people in the alleys suffered—women and children were restless with burning eyes. The terrified cries of children and the frightened wails of women could be heard from the houses due to the loud sound of sound grenades.
Case Information
A case has been filed against the ousted Sheikh Hasina and 12 others for the murder of Ikram Hossain Kausar, an economics student at Kabi Nazrul Government College in Dhaka. On Sunday, August 18, 2024, Nasrin Begum, a member of the Dhaka Bar, filed a case application in the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court. After the hearing, Magistrate Tariqul Islam directed the Sutrapur Police Station to accept the complaint as a case.
The other accused in this case are—former Bridge Minister Obaidul Quader, Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Fazle Noor Taposh, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, former Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, former ICT State Minister Junaid Ahmed Palak, DIG of Dhaka Range of Police Syed Nurul Islam, former IGP Abdullah Al Mamun, former DB chief of DMP Harun Or Rashid, Additional Joint Commissioner Biplob Sarkar, and DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman.
The application states that during the quota reform movement, on July 19, the protesters took position in front of Shaheed Suhrawardy Government College and Kabi Nazrul Government College. With the support of the accused, the police and the then ruling party attacked the protesters with weapons. Many were shot and many were injured by sharp weapons when the attackers fired indiscriminately.
Ikram Hossain Kausar, a student of the economics department at Kabi Nazrul Government College, was killed in the attack. This is the ninth case filed against the ousted Sheikh Hasina in the face of massive public protests. (Source: bdnews24.com. August 18, 2024)
Martyr Ikram Hossain Kausar in the Eyes of Friends and Relatives
Martyr Kausar was always a beacon of hope for his family. He was extremely humble and polite.
The martyr's father says, "What can I say about my son? He was the apple of my eye. It would be one thing if he had died in childhood. My capable son, the very foundation of my hopes, was shot and killed. What can I say? I had so many hopes, and now all those hopes are dashed. When I went to receive the body at Mitford Hospital morgue, I saw that he was wearing a pajama and Punjabi. My gentle, prayerful, and studious son—now everything is over. In the 'cause of death' section of the death certificate, they wrote 'unknown' as the killer. But the killer is known, and they are the police force. Efforts are underway to correct it. I want justice for the murder of my son."
His younger brother, Imran Hossain, says, "My brother's last phone call was his last conversation with my father. He told my father that he was well. He asked him to pray for him. He asked him to look after his younger brother, meaning me (Imran). He said he would return home when the situation normalized."
Jafarullah says, "My brother was very soft-spoken and spoke sincerely with people." His younger brother says, "My brother never idled around unnecessarily; he was always busy with his studies. He was very caring and responsible."
Ikram's sister, Jannatul Ferdaus, says, "Our family is very poor. We hoped that after completing his studies, Ikram would take responsibility for the family and alleviate our suffering. Now my brother is gone, and there is no one to stand by our family. We hope that the wealthy people of society will come forward to help us."
Azmir, a friend of Martyr Ikram Hossain Kausar, says, "I will not define this incident as a death—it is a murder. A country where people cannot even properly express their rights cannot be a democratic country. Today, my friend was killed for taking to the streets for his rights. I demand a proper investigation and justice not only for this murder but also for the indiscriminate killing of all the students and ordinary people in connection with the quota reform movement."
Someone named Subarna Mustafa wrote on Facebook, "The first martyr of Feni district in the quota reform movement. Your merit could not get you a government job, brother. You gave us a beautiful future in exchange for your life. May Allah grant you a high place in Paradise."
How is the Martyr's Family?
Martyr Kausar's father is a school teacher; with his limited salary, he supports a family of five. Shaheed Kausar dreamed of taking responsibility for the family after completing his studies, but that dream was shattered by police bullets. His mother is now suffering from mental illness after losing her son. The family's financial condition is dire; they are living in extreme poverty.
Description of the Family's Economic Condition
Shaheed Kausar's father is a teacher. He earns a small salary, which supports a family of five. Shaheed Kausar dreamed of supporting his family after completing his studies. But police bullets snatched away his dream. His mother is suffering from mental illness after losing her son. The family has sold land to educate their children, and as a result, they are in a dire financial situation.
Recommendations
Shaheed Ikram Hossain Kausar's family is currently living in extreme financial hardship. The following assistance is needed to alleviate their plight, which will help the family return to a normal life:
Need for Housing: The martyr's family is currently facing a housing crisis. It is extremely important to ensure a permanent residence for them. A permanent home will allow the family to live safely and be able to live a life free from worry.
Business for the father: Shaheed Ikram Hossain's father currently has a limited income. Providing him with a small business will help increase his family's regular source of income. The family will be able to become self-reliant.
Educational Expenses for Younger Siblings: The martyr's younger brother, Imran Hossain, and sister, Jannatul Ferdaus, are students. Financial assistance is needed to ensure their proper education. Taking responsibility for their educational expenses will allow the future generation of Martyr Ikram's family to become educated and play a proper role in the country and society.
These three forms of assistance will help Martyr Ikram's family return to a normal life and contribute to fulfilling our moral responsibility towards his sacrifice.
Personal Information of the Shaheed at a Glance
Name: Ikram Hossain Kausar
Occupation: Student
Date of Birth: January 1, 2000
Place of Birth: Feni
District: Feni
Educational Institution: Kabi Nazrul Government College, Dhaka
Father's Name: Maulana Anwar Hossain (Age: 55, Occupation: Teacher)
Mother's Name: Ruma Akter (Age: 40, Occupation: Housewife)
Monthly Income: 15,000 Taka
Source of Income: Teaching
Siblings: Younger brother Imran Hossain (Age: 20, Student) and sister Jannatul Ferdaus (Age: 27)
Number of Family Members: 5
Date and Time of Injury: July 19, 2024, Friday, 1:30 PM
Date and Time of Death: July 19, 2024, 4:15 PM
Place of Death: Laxmibazar, Old Dhaka, Kotwali, Dhaka
Attacker: Police
Burial Place: Parshuram, Feni
Place of Martyrdom: Laxmibazar, Old Dhaka
Graveyard: Parshuram, Feni