Md. Shahabul Islam (sawon)

A young man dedicated to his country, Martyr Md. Shahabul Islam (Shaon) was born in 1996 in the village of Melapara, Debiganj Thana, Panchagarh District. His father, Mr. Md. Azhar, earned a living through agricultural work, and his mother, Mosammat Taslima Akter, was a homemaker. Born into an extremely poor family, Shaon was the third among four siblings. Due to the family's poverty, his younger sister could not receive an education. From a very young age, Shaon had to shoulder the responsibilities of the household. Although he did not receive formal education, the family education enriched his knowledge. Before moving to Dhaka, he sold clothes in various localities. With the earnings from his clothing sales, his family, including his wife and son, often faced shortages.
This information provides a brief overview of the martyr's personal details, including family background, address, and circumstances surrounding the incident.
How Shahabul Islam Became a Martyr
The student movement against discrimination, which began in the first week of July, concluded with the resignation of the authoritarian regime of Hasina. Initially, the movement was solely for the logical reform of quotas. Students organized rallies and protests day after day. However, the government did not engage in any discussions regarding a solution. Instead, they mocked the students in various ways. In response, on the 14th, students submitted a memorandum to the President seeking a solution. Even after the 24-hour ultimatum expired, the President took no action.
During a peaceful protest rally, the Chhatra League's Petuya terrorist group attacked the students, creating a terrifying situation on the Dhaka University campus. Students were expelled from the campus, and universities across the country were closed under the pretext of security. On the 16th, during a protest rally, police and other terrorists attacked the students. In the direct firing by the police, talented student Abu Sayeed from Rangpur district was martyred. This incident intensified the movement, leading people from all walks of life across the country to take to the streets. Through protests, rallies, graffiti, hashtags, and news dissemination by foreign media, students demanded justice from the government.
Yet, the government continued to attack the students and public with heavy weapons, shutting down the internet to hide the brutal killings from the world. Despite this, the brave sons of Bengal did not stop their movement. In the dire situation of the country, the people decided on a one-point movement. On the 4th, the March to Dhaka program was announced for the 5th. On this day, many people were injured and killed. Among the martyrs was Shahabul Islam from Panchagarh, the only capable person in his family. On August 4, 2024, at 11 AM, he left home saying he was going to the rally. Although his wife advised him not to go, as the police were shooting and killing people, he left, saying he would return in an hour.
However, he did not return home after an hour. At around 11:30, the police fired indiscriminately at the student public's protest rally. Shahabul Islam was shot and wounded. He was taken to the Dhamrai Upazila Health Complex, where his younger brother received a call from a nurse informing him that he had died from gunshot wounds. When his family went to the health complex to collect the body, the authorities refused to release it without police clearance. After contacting the Dhamrai police, the body was sent for post-mortem at the Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital. The authorities kept the body in the morgue. On the 5th, when they went to obtain clearance from the Dhamrai police, they found the police station on fire and could not find any officers. Later, on August 11, they contacted a police officer from Dhamrai, who advised them to come to the station on the 12th. They obtained the police clearance certificate and returned home with the body. After the funeral prayers in his native village on the 12th, he was buried in the family graveyard.
Relatives' Feelings About the Martyr
Shahabul Islam's uncle, Ghulam Mostafa, mentioned that Shahabul was a very cheerful and sociable person. His death has caused an irreparable loss to the family. His two-year and four-month-old son now faces an uncertain future. They demand justice for his murder and pray that Allah grants him Jannatul Ferdous.
Family Situation
Martyr Shahabul Islam was a street vegetable vendor by profession. He had purchased a piece of land through a loan. After his martyrdom, the family's situation has become very dire. The family is currently facing both economic and mental distress.
Recommendations
1. The responsibility of providing for his two-year and four-month-old son can be taken.
2. His wife, who works in the garment industry, can be provided with a high-quality sewing machine.
3. Provide both monthly and one-time financial assistance to support the family's immediate and long-term needs.
Shaheed’s Personal Life at a Glance
Name: Martyr Md. Shahabul Islam
Date of Birth: November 10, 1996
Religion: Islam
Father's Name, Age, Occupation: Md. Azhar, 57, Farmer
Mother's Name, Age, Occupation: Mosammat Taslima Akter, 50, Homemaker
Family Members: Seven
Children: One
Number of Siblings: Four
Md. Badal, Age: 37, Occupation: Sherbet Seller
Md. Tahidul Islam, Age: 33, Occupation: Rickshaw Driver
Mosammat Seema Akter, Age: 15, Occupation: Student, Grade: 8
Permanent Address: Village: Mollapara, Union: Tepriganj, Thana: Debiganj, District: Panchagarh
Current Address: Area: Baipail, Thana: Ashulia, Upazila: Savar, District: Dhaka
Incident Location: Baipail, Ashulia, Savar
Perpetrator: Police Force of the authoritarian government
Time of Injury: August 4, 2014, 11:30 AM
Time and Place of Death: August 4, 2024, Dhamrai Upazila Health Complex, 10:00 PM
Martyr's Grave: Family graveyard in his native village