Md. Arafat Hossain Akash

Md. Arafat Hossain Akash (16) was as lively as other teenagers in the village. Playing football with friends after school, swimming in the pond, and playing mobile games with friends using Wi-Fi at the market shops were his daily routine. A few months ago, he came to Narayanganj from Noakhali with his father for livelihood. His journey to support the family as the eldest son came to an end.
Background of the Movement
The 15-year Awami misrule, vote-rigging, corruption, murder, injustice, and oppression had created a negative reaction in the public mind. The Awami government began to conspire to re-establish the quota system. In 2018, Sheikh Hasina agreed to all the demands in the face of strong student protests, but she harbored hatred in her heart. In 2024, after consolidating power in an election without opposition, the Hasina government again wanted to bring back the quota. The movement started on July 1, demanding reform of the quota in government jobs. The non-violent movement turned violent on July 15.
In the movement, the Chhatra League, Jubo League, Swechasebok League, and police, RAB members attacked the unarmed students and the public. After the martyrdom of Abu Sayeed in Rangpur, the movement turned into a mass movement. The quota reform movement turned into a public movement. It spread across the country as a movement of anti-discrimination students and people. The non-violent movement of ordinary students gradually moved towards an anti-fascist government uprising. Gradually, this movement was not limited to students; it became a huge mass uprising of the country's general public. People of all castes, religions, and creeds expressed solidarity with this uprising and took to the streets. Facing the wrath of the angry people, the head of the autocratic government, Sheikh Hasina, was forced to resign on August 5. But before resigning, she left behind countless evil deeds of her vile and distorted mind. As part of this, armed forces were unleashed on many innocent people, including protesters. The unarmed, oppressed people were martyred by their bullets.
How He Became a Martyr
On July 21, at 11 am, his younger brother Adnan (6) asked him to bring snacks from the shop. Akash left the house to fulfill his younger brother's request. As he came near the highway in search of snacks, he suddenly found himself in the middle of gunfire. Before he could understand anything, two bullets hit Akash's body. He screamed and fell to the ground. Rescuing the injured Akash with the help of locals, his father Akram rushed from one hospital to another. Akash breathed his last on the way to Dhaka Medical College (DMCH) Hospital.
Akash used to sell fruit with his father near the Shimrail intersection on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj. He was also shot at the same place.
Funeral and Burial
The body was taken to his village, Wasitpur area of Sonaimuri police station in Noakhali district, on the same day of the incident. He was buried in the family graveyard.
Statement of a Close Relative
Pavel, the cousin of the deceased, described the whole incident, the family's situation, and the current condition.
Akash was an SSC candidate at Wasitpur Bahumukhi High School. Due to poor results in the test exam, the school offered him permission to take the exam for 10,000 taka. But due to financial hardship, the money could not be arranged. Deciding to take the exam the following year, he came to Nayahati Muktinagar area of Siddhirganj. Here, he used to sell fruit on the sidewalk with his father.
Pavel said, "Akash is the eldest of two brothers and one sister. He came to Siddhirganj 5-6 months ago. My uncle, Akram Hossain, rented a warehouse where he keeps fruit and lives in the warehouse. A week ago, Akash's younger brother Adnan was brought from the village for a doctor's appointment. No one could take the brother to the doctor as the situation became tense."
On the day of the incident, as he went out to get snacks for his younger brother, he was shot in front of the Khanka Mosque on Chittagong Road. He was taken to Signboard Pro-Active Hospital, where the doctor on duty said that he had been shot in his left thigh and bladder. They said they could not keep a serious patient and told them to take him to Dhaka Medical. Akash died on the way. The body was brought to Noakhali by ambulance and buried at night.
Pavel said with regret, "I never imagined that Akash and I would be separated like this. My uncle and aunt are ill after Akash's death. Akash did not do any politics. He did not go to any movement; then why did he have to die? Akash was shot despite committing no crime. If you inquire in the area, you will find that he never fought with anyone. He was a very good boy. How many people think about their families at this age?"
Arafat Hossain Akash's family's financial condition is very bad. He does business on the sidewalk. Shortly before his martyrdom, Akash started selling fruit with his father on the sidewalk. His monthly income was very low. 
Personal Information of the Shaheed at a Glance
Name: Md. Arafat Hossain Akash
Father: Md. Akram
Mother: Laily Begum
Date of Birth and Age: March 1, 2008, 16 years
Date of Injury: July 21, 2024, Chittagong Road, 11:30 am
Date, Time, and Place of Martyrdom: July 21, 2024, Pro-Active Medical Hospital
Buried: His village
Grave Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GuiootnZtVhyoVB6
Details of House and Property: A tin house and a small amount of land
Details of Siblings: He has one sister and one brother. Both are students.
Proposals
1. It is important to provide one-time financial assistance to the family as they are a poor family.
2. Financial assistance is needed for martyr’s father's business.
3. Since he did not directly participate in the quota reform movement, it is necessary to maintain contact with the martyr's family at all times.
4. Expenses for the education of the younger brother should be provided.