Abu Sayeed

There’s a storm raging in my chest — I’ve laid it bare, go ahead and shoot."
Abu Sayeed (2001 – July 16, 2024) was a university student and an active participant in the 2024 Quota Reform Movement. He served as a coordinator for the movement at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur. On July 16, 2024, during the protests, he was shot and killed by a police officer. The quota reform activists recognize him as the first martyr of the movement.
Personal Life
Abu Sayeed was born in 2001 in Babnapur village, Pirganj Upazila, Rangpur. His father’s name was Mokbul Hossain, and his mother’s name was Monowara Begum. He was the youngest among six brothers and three sisters.
He completed his primary education at Jafar Para Government Primary School, where he received a talent pool scholarship in the 5th grade. He then studied at Khalashpir Dimukhi High School, where he passed his SSC with a Golden GPA-5. In 2018, he completed his HSC from Rangpur Government College, also securing a GPA-5. Later, in 2020, he enrolled in the English Department at Begum Rokeya University as part of the 12th batch.
Family Life
Abu Sayeed had two mothers—his biological mother, Monowara Begum, and his stepmother, the late Mofela Begum. He was the only educated member of his family, and his entire family depended on him for a better future. His eldest brother worked as a rickshaw van driver, one sibling worked in a garment factory, another in agriculture, two sisters were housewives, one sister was still studying, and another brother ran a grocery store in their village.
2024 Quota Reform Movement & Martyrdom
Abu Sayeed was an active member of the 2024 Bangladesh Quota Reform Movement. After similar protests in 2013 and 2018, the movement restarted on June 6, 2024. He played a leading role in Rangpur, particularly at Begum Rokeya University, as the university’s coordinator for the movement.
On July 15, 2024, he made a Facebook post referencing Professor Mohammad Shamsuzzoha, a martyr of the 1969 mass uprising, where he expressed his admiration and called for standing up against injustice.
On July 16, 2024, from noon onwards, protesters gathered at Begum Rokeya University. Abu Sayeed was at the forefront of the demonstration. At around 2:30–3:00 PM, violence erupted between students and police in front of the university. The police used tear gas and batons to disperse the protesters. While most students retreated, Abu Sayeed stood his ground, holding a stick. The police directly targeted and shot him. He tried to block rubber bullets with his stick, but multiple bullets struck his body, and he collapsed. Before reaching the hospital, he passed away. His martyrdom intensified the movement, leading to widespread protests.
Reactions
Farooq Faisal, Executive Director of Ain o Salish Kendra, told BBC Bangla that the boy was unarmed, and there was no need for such police violence. He condemned the attack on innocent protesters.
On July 17, Indian actress Swastika Mukherjee posted Abu Sayeed’s photo on Facebook, expressing her sorrow and concern, stating that as a mother, she could only hope for peace in Bangladesh.
On July 26, Begum Rokeya University administration provided financial assistance to his family. On August 10, Muhammad Yunus, the Interim Government Chief Advisor, along with Advisors Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, visited Abu Sayeed’s home. Yunus stated that Abu Sayeed was a son of every household in Bangladesh, regardless of religion or background.
What His Friends Said
His friends described him as a fearless fighter against injustice. He firmly believed in people’s rights, even if it meant martyrdom. They said he was an honest and kind-hearted person who supported his family through tutoring.
Burial & Funeral
His body was taken to the hospital morgue for an autopsy. Authorities initially resisted handing over his body to the family, leading to disputes. After overcoming multiple obstacles, his body was finally released. He was buried in his village after Janazah prayers.
Personal Information of the Martyr at a Glance
Name: Martyr Md. Abu Sayeed
Profession: Student, Begum Rokeya University
Date of Birth: 2001
Age: 23 years
Father: Mr. Md. Mokbul Hossain
Mother: Mrs. Monowara Begum
Date of Martyrdom: July 16, 2024
Place of Injury: Begum Rokeya University
Place of Martyrdom: Begum Rokeya University, July 16, 2024
Permanent & Current Address: Village: Babnapur, Union: Madankhali, Police Station: Pirganj, District: Rangpur