Abdul Rakib

Shahid Abdul Rakib was a physically and mentally challenged individual, 25 years old. He resided in Rayerbagh. He had no father, and his mother and elder brother cared for him. Their family lived in poverty, with his elder brother earning a living by driving a rickshaw. Their dwelling would flood with even a little rain. Shahid Rakib's legs were bent, and he couldn't walk properly. He also had a physical disability in his neck, which hindered his movement. Like many in impoverished circumstances, he had to navigate life with these challenges. Despite his physical and mental disabilities, Shahid Rakib worked in a local mill.
How He Became a Martyr:
In 2008, Sheikh Hasina's government came to power through engineered elections. Until 2024, her party-appointed police force took to the streets with lethal weapons against any public movement for rights. Instead of delivering justice, they committed brutal murders. The way her forces attacked the peaceful anti-quota movement was akin to a battlefield scenario. Patriotic citizens of the country were increasingly marginalized. Sycophants, terrorists, murderers, and pro-India individuals were given the responsibility of governing the nation. To benefit India, various sectors of the country were gradually destroyed. Nearly a million educated citizens became unemployed, while numerous Indian nationals were employed in various sectors. A private television channel reported on the infiltration of Indian citizens into the Bangladesh Police, which disappointed unemployed youth and raised questions about national security. The Hasina government wanted to start recruiting party workers through the quota system, which had been banned in 2018, with the aim of rehabilitating Indian citizens and their own party members. When students requested the withdrawal of the quota system, Sheikh Hasina insulted the protestors by calling them "grandchildren of Razakars." Consequently, students took to the streets in protest. The government's law enforcement agencies, along with activists from the Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League, launched brutal attacks and opened fire on the protestors. While the intensity of the movement temporarily decreased in many areas, the anger and resentment doubled in the Jatrabari area.
Jatrabari and Shonir Akhra were the most violent areas during the anti-quota movement. The Mayor Hanif Flyover toll plaza was set on fire, and there were repeated clashes with the police. Many bodies arrived at Dhaka Medical College Hospital from Jatrabari. Small grievances accumulated into a massive protest. Throughout July and August, numerous students and citizens sacrificed their lives to save the country and overthrow the autocratic regime. Finally, on August 5th, the country became independent for the second time. The police continued to fire on the public until they ran out of bullets. At 3 PM, after Hasina fled, Abdul Rakib left for work, believing the country was safe. He was shot dead by police in front of Jatrabari Police Station. He was shot in the chest and back. He was buried in Matuail Graveyard.
The Condition of His Family:
Rakib was cared for with immense love and affection by his mother and elder brother despite their extreme poverty. Shahid Abdul Rakib's brother is unaware if their name is on any government list. He has no time to look for it. He is also unaware if any government list is being compiled. Overwhelmed by grief, he continues to drive his rickshaw daily to support his family. They tried to obtain a death certificate but were unsuccessful. The only assistance they received was 100,000 taka from Jamaat-e-Islami. No one else, neither government officials nor any list updating team, has contacted them. Shahid Abdul Rakib's mother seeks justice for the murder of her disabled son. They do not want to get entangled in legal cases, fearing further hardship. It is uncertain if justice will ever be served for Shahid Abdul Rakib and others like him.
Personal Information of the Shaheed at a Glance
Name: Abdul Rakib
Occupation: Worker
Date of Birth: January 1, 2004
Father: Md. Idris
Date of Injury and Martyrdom: August 5, 2024
Place of Martyrdom: Jatrabari Police Station
Attacker: Police
Buried at: Matuail Graveyard
Current Address: 1724, Madinabag, Rayerbagh, Dhaka
Condition of House and Assets: Extremely poor
Proposal:
• Provide monthly and one-time financial assistance.