Mohammad Merazul Islam

Shaheed Merajul Islam was a relentless fighter in the battle of life. He was born on November 2, 1988, in New Jumma Para, Rangpur City. At a young age, he lost his father and had to take responsibility for his family. His father was a banana seller, and after his passing, Merajul took over the business. Through this small business, he single-handedly covered his mother’s medical expenses and supported his siblings’ needs.
Marriage and Family Life
Merajul Islam married Naznin Akhter, a woman from a neighboring area. Together, they built a beautiful life and had two children—the elder being 15 years old and the younger just 3 years old. Through hard work and business acumen, he quickly earned the trust of everyone around him. He was known for his kind and helpful nature.
How the Incident Unfolded
On Friday, July 19, 2024, Meraj went to Jarjez Market as usual for his banana business. After returning home, he performed Jumu'ah prayers and prepared to go back to work. As he was leaving, his young child asked for cake, and his wife reminded him that it was their wedding anniversary. She requested that they have dinner together that night.
As Merajul stepped outside, he saw police and ruling party members (Awami League and its student wing, Chhatra League) firing indiscriminately at quota reform protesters and the public. Watching the brutal attack from a distance, he felt deep sorrow.
At one point, he saw a man collapse on the ground after being shot by the police. Without hesitation, he ran toward the injured person to help. However, before he could reach him, the police fired again, and at 6:00 PM, three bullets struck Merajul, causing him to collapse on the street.
Local people rushed him to Rangpur Medical College Hospital, but despite their efforts, he was declared a martyr at 7:00 PM. The bullets had pierced his body so severely that his internal organs were torn apart.
A Tragic Loss
A kind-hearted man was brutally taken from this world by government forces. His two children became orphans overnight, and his wife was left widowed. There was now no one to provide for the family—to pay for the children’s education, their food, or his ailing mother’s medical expenses.
His youngest child still believes that his father has gone to Dhaka and will return soon. Who will answer their cries? Who will comfort his grieving family?
Family’s Statements and Reactions
Merajul's wife broke down in tears while speaking about him:
"He was a kind-hearted man who always helped others in times of need. He was soft-spoken and gentle. Before leaving the house, he asked our son what he wanted to eat. The child had asked for cake… but now, his wish may never be fulfilled. When we ask him about his father, he says, ‘Baba (father) has gone to Dhaka; he will come back soon.’”
She also shared that Merajul had promised to have dinner together that night for their wedding anniversary. But instead of a celebration, their happy home was shattered by bullets.
His mother, who had always relied on him, does not know how to console her grieving grandchildren. The father who used to lull his child to sleep in his arms now lies in his grave.
Personal Information of the Martyr at a Glance
Full Name of Martyr: Mohammad Merazul Islam
Date of Birth: November 2, 1988, Rangpur
Profession of Martyr: Shopkeeper (General Goods)
Father: Shamsul Haque (Deceased)
Mother: Ambia Khatun (70), Housewife
Wife: Najneen Akter (32), Housewife
Permanent Address: New Jumma Para, Rangpur City
Current Address: New Jumma Para, Rangpur City
Children: 5 sons, 2 daughters
o Elder son Mehrab Hossain Nazir (15), Student, 9th grade
o Mohammad Hanifa (3), Son
Martyrdom: On July 19 at 5:30 PM, shot by police in front of Kolapatti Jorjeze Market, he subsequently passed away at 7:00 PM at RMCH Hospital.