Md. Mirajul Islam

Mirajul Islam's family is an example of a struggling family, earning their livelihood through hard work. This family, residing in the remote village of Barogharia in the Mahishkocha Union of Aditmari Thana in Lalmonirhat District, faces struggles in every aspect of life. The head of the family, Mirajul's father Abdul Salam Khan, is a rickshaw puller. He is 41 years old, and the family survives on his limited income. He earns only 9,000 Taka per month, which he tries to use to meet the basic needs of his four-member family. Mirajul’s mother, Mrs. Mohsena Begum, is 33 years old and a housewife. She manages all the household chores and takes care of the children.
The family’s financial situation is very critical because they depend entirely on the father’s earnings. Apart from Mirajul, the family has two other brothers. Mirajul’s elder brother, Mohammad Misbahul Mia, is 18 years old and a 10th-grade student at Aditmari GS School, while his younger brother, Mohammad Sirajul Islam, is 14 years old and studying in the 8th grade. Both brothers are trying to focus on their studies, although their education is continually hindered by the family’s financial struggles.
Mirajul’s life reflects that of a typical and struggling rural life. He grew up in a remote village where living conditions were simple, and there was no alternative to hard work every day. A brilliant student like Mirajul was well-known among the village people for his polite and refined manner. Despite the family’s financial hardships, Mirajul and his brothers are working tirelessly to build their future. Every member of this family works for their daily bread, and every day of their lives is marked by a new struggle.
The Incident of Martyrdom
Mrs. Mohsena Begum, the proud mother of Martyr Mirajul Islam, always considered Mirajul an invaluable treasure. He always stood by his mother’s side, trying to shoulder the responsibilities of the family. His mother often said, “Miraj was my golden boy. At such a young age, he had taken the responsibility of our family.” But as she said these words, she broke down in heart-wrenching tears.
The day of the incident was Monday, August 5, 2024. Mirajul had breakfast and then called his cousin to inform him that he was going to Jatrabari to join the movement. After hanging up, his mother, Mrs. Mohsena Begum, warned him not to go, as the government had already started shooting and killing people. She said, “Son, there is no need to go to the movement. The police are shooting.” But Mirajul replied, “Mom, students all over the country have gone. I am a student too, so I must join the movement on behalf of the students.”
At around 9 AM, Mirajul left home. A little later, at 10:15 AM, an unknown person called his father’s mobile and informed him that Mirajul had been shot in front of Jatrabari Thana and was being taken to Dhaka Medical. Mirajul’s father, who was driving a rickshaw in Shonir Akhra at the time, called his wife and informed her that their son had been shot and asked her to get ready and come to Jatrabari. Mohsena Begum hurriedly left for Jatrabari, but due to the movement, there were no vehicles available. They had to walk through Dholai Par to reach Dhaka Medical.
At around 12 PM, they reached the medical and found out that Mirajul had been brought to the emergency gate. When they got there, they found Mirajul lying on the floor, bleeding profusely. Due to the crowd in the hospital, it was difficult to administer treatment quickly. Finally, after 35 minutes, a doctor arrived and tried to stop the bleeding. But the bullet had struck in such a way that the doctors informed them that an operation would be required to remove the bullet, but there would be a delay in the procedure. Mirajul’s parents decided to take him to Rangpur. At 1:15 PM, they hired an ambulance and started their journey to Rangpur. Due to the traffic caused by the movement, it was already 10 PM by the time they reached Rangpur. Mirajul was admitted to the emergency department of Rangpur Medical. His condition continued to deteriorate. For three days, Mirajul suffered in pain, repeatedly saying, “Mom, tell them to remove the bullet quickly, I want to go home.”
Finally, on the night of August 8, at 1:30 AM, Mirajul’s condition worsened further. Oxygen was pushed, but due to excessive bleeding, the doctors informed them that the bullet had struck in such a way that an operation could no longer be performed. At some point during the night, Mirajul’s body became lifeless, and the attending doctor sorrowfully announced, “Miraj is no longer with us.”
For Mrs. Mohsena Begum, it was impossible to believe this. But the harsh reality was undeniable. The pain of losing Mirajul left the family in shock. The next morning, his lifeless body was brought home in an ambulance. The villagers were waiting for the funeral and burial. At 10 AM, hundreds of people attended Mirajul’s funeral, and he was laid to rest in the village soil.
Feelings of Close Relatives Regarding the Martyr
Mirajul Islam’s younger brother, Mohammad Sirajul Islam, tearfully said, “My brother used to love me very much. He would make me sit beside him and teach me math, always trying to keep us happy with his affectionate smile. The three of us brothers always stayed together. He was very respected in the area. He treated everyone well and never showed any disrespect.”
Sirajul added, “Even after going to Dhaka for work, Bhai would talk to me on the phone every day, checking on me, sometimes joking with me. I still remember his words of affection. It’s so painful to believe that Bhai is no longer with us; I can’t accept it.”
The void created by his brother’s loss has deeply affected Sirajul’s heart, a pain that can never be filled.
Shaheed Mirajul Islam was the ray of hope for his poor family. His family consisted of five members, including his two younger brothers and his sick parents. When his father fell ill, Mirajul had to take on the responsibility of the family. After passing his SSC exams, he gave up his dreams of further education and moved to Dhaka for the sake of his family’s needs. There, he began working at a Fexiload shop to earn money for his family.
Martyr’s Personal Information at a Glance
Name: Mirajul Islam
Profession: Student, Institution: Mahishkhoccha Multi-Purpose School & College, HSC aspirant
Permanent and Current Address: Village: Baroghoria, Union: Mahishkhoccha, Aditmari, District: Lalmonirhat
Father’s Name: Abdul Salam Khan (41)
Profession: Rickshaw Driver
Mother’s Name: Mrs. Mohsena Begum, Age: 33, Profession: Housewife
Monthly Income: 9,000/- Income Source: Father’s Rickshaw Driving
Family Members: 4
Number of Siblings: 2 Brothers
1. Brother: Mohammad Misbahul Mia, Age: 18, Profession: Student, Institution: Aditmari GS School, Grade: 10
2. Mohammad Sirajul Islam, Age: 14, Institution: Aditmari GS School, Grade: 8
Proposal:
1. Provide one-time financial grant and regular monthly allowance to the martyr’s family
2. To provide the educational expenses of the martyr’s younger brothers
3. Provide the martyr’s father with a sustainable business opportunity or a CNG vehicle