Mohammad Nuruzzaman

Mohammad Nuruzzaman, a motorcycle driver, was born on February 3, 1981, in the village of Shrirampur, Patgram Upazila, Lalmonirhat district. His family was extremely poor, and living hand to mouth was a constant challenge for them. His father, Mohammad Afiar Rahman, had passed away earlier. His mother, Mosammat Asia Begum, aged 68, is a housewife and unable to contribute financially to the family. They had no fixed source of income. The family consisted of 6 members. Among his two brothers and two sisters, Nuruzzaman was a well-known and selfless person in the village. The villagers often saw him as the first person to offer help in any problem. His generosity and willingness to assist others made him beloved in the village. However, despite his kind nature, financial struggles were a constant in his life. The man, living day by day, was trying to carry his family forward.
The Incident of Martyrdom
Shaheed Mohammad Nuruzzaman was a cheerful and sociable person. When he used to drive a rickshaw in the Awliyarhat Bazaar area, many people waited for his rickshaw. They would travel or rent his rickshaw for various needs. He never demanded extra fare. He was highly praised for his transactions and conduct within the area. When he sold his rickshaw and bought a motorcycle to transport passengers, he maintained good relations with everyone. There were never any disputes over fares.
On the final stage of the anti-discrimination movement, Martyr Nuruzzaman was participating with local leaders and activists in Awliyarhat Bazaar. He had been peacefully present there from the morning, participating in protests. After lunch, he returned home, had something to eat, and rested. At around 2:30 PM, he heard the news of the government's downfall and went back to join the victory procession at Awliyarhat Bazaar. After participating in the victory procession and shouting slogans about the fall of dictatorship, as he approached a pharmacy in the market, a hidden assailant struck him on the back of his head. After falling to the ground, another assailant ruthlessly began beating him on his back. This incident occurred in front of many people in the market, yet no one intervened. When two neighbors came forward, the attackers fled. Nuruzzaman was taken home with water poured on his head to ease his condition. As his condition worsened, he was rushed to the Upazila Health Complex. Later, he was transferred to Rangpur Medical College, where, after various tests, doctors confirmed that he had suffered a brain injury and that his brain's covering had ruptured.
On August 8, 2024, at 3:25 AM, as preparations were made for surgery, he suffered massive blood loss and passed away. His death brought mourning to the entire Patgram Upazila, and Awliyarhat Bazaar was covered in sorrow. His family members, now in despair, are left without the only breadwinner of the household. An unnatural death case was filed. His eldest son, Habibur Rahman, expressed plans to file a case against the attackers but refrained, as police told him that they would have to exhume the body for an autopsy if the case was filed.
Feelings about the Martyr
A. Rahim, a grocery store owner from Awliyarhat Bazaar, was a close friend of Martyr Nuruzzaman. He recalls with tears, “When Nuruzzaman drove a rickshaw, I would send goods from my shop in his rickshaw. He never spoke to me about the fare; he just took what was given. Every day, he would meet me at the shop, and for household necessities, he would buy from my store. His conduct was always excellent. His house was near the market, and he frequently spent time chatting with everyone in the market shops. He never got involved in any quarrels. But suddenly, he was brutally attacked and died in the hospital.” Businessman A. Rahim demands fair justice for this planned murder.
Family’s Economic Condition
Shaheed Mohammad Nuruzzaman, aged 43, was a motorcycle driver. His small motorcycle was his only means of earning a living. With the little income he made carrying passengers, he supported his family. Nuruzzaman was a dedicated man whose labor kept his family moving forward. His family consists of his elderly mother, wife, two daughters, and two sons. He married off his two daughters and, through hard work, ensured his eldest son graduated with an honors degree from Syed Ahmed College in Bogura. Although his eldest son has not yet secured a job, Nuruzzaman had hoped that one day his son would take on the responsibility of the family. His youngest son is currently in the 6th grade, and his education was one of Nuruzzaman's biggest dreams.
However, that dream has now faded. With Nuruzzaman's death, the family has lost its only source of income. His passing has cast a dark shadow over the family. His elderly mother breaks down crying daily for her son, his wife is speechless, and the future of his children seems uncertain. The light of hope that Nuruzzaman once provided has now extinguished. The costs for his youngest son's education, daily living expenses, and his mother's medical bills are all in jeopardy. How will they continue? Despite his eldest son’s degree, he is unable to take on the family responsibilities due to unemployment. The family of Martyr Nuruzzaman now faces a harsh reality, and those who once saw him as a symbol of strength now stand crushed under the weight of their loss.
Personal Information of the Martyr at a Glance
Name: Mohammad Nuruzzaman
Profession: Motorcycle Driver
Permanent & Current Address: Village: Srirampur, Patgram, Awliyarhat, Lalmonirhat
Father’s Name: Late Mohammad Afiar Rahman
Mother’s Name: Mosha Asia Begum, Age: 68, Profession: Homemaker
Source of Income: No fixed source of income
Family Members: 6
Number of Siblings: 4 (2 brothers and 2 sisters)
1. Brother: Mohammad Habibur Rahman, Age: 25, Profession: Student, Institution: Master's program - Interested in enrollment
2. Mosha Lamia Akter Mayna, Age: 20, Profession: Homemaker
3. Mosha Nasrin Akter, Age: 19
4. Mohammad Maruf Hasan Tabib, Age: 12, Profession: Student, Institution: Srirampur High School, 6th Grade
Incident Location: Awliyarhat, Patgram, Lalmonirhat
Assailant: Police
Time of Injury: Date: 05/08/2024, Time: 4:00 PM
Time and Place of Death: 08/08/2024, Rangpur Medical College
Current Burial Site of the Martyr: Family Burial Ground at Home
Recommendations
1. Provide one-time financial grant to the martyr's family.
2. Ensure a good job for the martyr’s eldest son, who has completed his honors degree.