Md. Ruman

Md. Ruman was born into a poor family on December 13, 1994, in the Hazaribagh area of Dhaka. He was the second of four siblings. His father, Md. Swapan Bepari, was a tea seller. When Ruman was only one year old, his parents separated, marking the beginning of a difficult chapter in his life.
Following the separation, his father remarried and severed all ties with Ruman, his mother, and his siblings. This left the entire responsibility of raising the children on his mother, Mosammat Luchi Begum. However, she too remarried after some time, further complicating Ruman's early years.
Ruman's elder sister, Rumiya Akter (31), and his two younger brothers, Raju (24) and Saju (22), work as cleaning staff at Labaid Hospital. Ruman himself was employed at the same hospital as a fourth-grade employee.
Struggles of Life
Due to financial hardships and family turmoil, Ruman could only study up to the fifth grade. Despite his keen interest in education, he had to abandon his studies to support his family. From a young age, he was known for his humility, patience, and hardworking nature. He was deeply religious, regularly performing all five daily prayers.
Although he came from a financially struggling background, Ruman was selfless and resilient. His kind and polite demeanor made him beloved by neighbors, relatives, and colleagues alike. Because of financial constraints, he could not afford to educate his siblings, forcing them into the workforce at an early age.
Despite the ongoing anti-discrimination protests in the country, Ruman remained committed to his job. However, on July 19, 2024, he joined the movement and ultimately gave his life for the cause. He was only 29 years old at the time of his martyrdom.
Tragic Incident of Martyrdom
Friday, July 19, 2024 – A nationwide shutdown was in place as part of the anti-discrimination student movement. Meanwhile, the authoritarian government had imposed an indefinite curfew to suppress the protests. Yet, defying the curfew, students and citizens took to the streets, escalating the movement across the country.
After Friday prayers, Md. Ruman left his office and joined the protesters on Road No. 5, Dhanmondi. As the rally grew larger, the ruling party's armed groups, along with police and youth wings, launched a brutal attack. They used batons, tear gas, rubber bullets, grenades, and even sniper fire from armored vehicles, helicopters, and high-rise buildings.
The peaceful demonstrators were caught off guard and scattered. To counter the suffocating tear gas smoke, students lit papers, newspapers, and tires to clear the air.
In the face of violence, Ruman bravely helped injured protesters reach safety. He stood fearlessly before bullets to protect others. The Assailants targeted him, and at approximately 2:30 PM, a bullet struck his head. He collapsed instantly, his skull shattered, and his brain exposed.
Thus, Md. Ruman's name was etched in the list of martyrs.
Aftermath & Identification
Locals identified him from the Labaid Hospital ID card hanging from his neck. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, but it was too late. His tragic death left the community in tears.
Statements from Relatives & Neighbors
Mosa: Khadija Begum, a neighbor, shared: "Md. Ruman was a kind-hearted, humble, and generous man. He always maintained his prayers and never mistreated anyone."
Family Background & Struggles
Ruman grew up in severe hardship. After his parents' divorce, his father abandoned him and his siblings. Later, his mother remarried a rickshaw puller and moved away with two children.
His family has no land or property and survives in a rented tin-shed house in Hazaribagh, Dhaka. His father and mother are both alive, but his siblings had to enter the workforce early to make ends meet.
Md. Ruman's story is a testament to the struggles faced by the underprivileged. He lived with dignity, worked tirelessly, and ultimately sacrificed his life for justice. He will always be remembered as a brave martyr who never hesitated to stand against oppression.
Personal Profile of the Martyr
Name : Shaheed Md. Ruman
Profession : Housekeeping, Lab Aid Hospital, Dhanmondi
Date of Birth : 13 December 1994 (Age: 29)
Place of Birth : Hazaribagh, Dhaka
Father : Md. Md. Swapan Bepari (Tea Stall Owner)
Mother : Mrs. Luchi Begum
Marital Status : Unmarried
Number of Family Members : 5
Date & Time of Martyrdom : 19 July 2024, at approximately 2:30 PM
(Fatally injured and passed away on the spot)
Place of Incident : Road No. 05, Dhanmondi
Assailants : Chhatra League, Jubo League, Awami League, and Police
Permanent & Current Address : Hazaribagh, Dhaka.