Md. Rasel

On 17 July 2005, a newborn was born in Sundarpara village, part of Bausi Union, Barhatta Police Station, Netrokona District, bringing light and joy to his parents’ faces. This child was Md. Rasel. Among three siblings, Rasel was the youngest. His father, Md. Munsi Mia, had long suffered from mental illness. In this situation, their devoted mother worked tirelessly to raise and care for her three children. Despite hardships and poverty, the family managed to survive somehow. As days passed, the three siblings grew up. The eldest brother, Kawshar Mia, worked as a laborer. Due to the family’s difficulties and responsibilities, Rasel had to take on the burden of supporting the household at a very young age. He was gentle, polite, and altruistic, always the first to rush to help villagers in times of trouble.
Circumstances of Martyrdom
Throughout July 2024, the entire country was stirred by a nationwide student movement against inequality. From the beginning of this movement, Rasel Mia was vocally active. He did not remain silent but actively supported the movement in various ways. He hoped that through quota reforms, the government would take a rational decision to facilitate merit-based job opportunities. As the movement escalated toward demanding the government’s downfall, Rasel became even more actively involved. He believed that, by any means necessary, the people of the country must be freed from the tyrannical government.
Following this resolve, on the morning of August 4, 2024, around 10 a.m., Rasel left his home to join the protest assembly. During July, the student and public protesters were fiercely angry at the supporters and terror squads of Hasina, who that day faced resistance with empty hands. In the face of this resistance, the police, Border Guard Bangladesh, army, and Awami League’s militant groups were forced to retreat in many places. Sensing the severity of the situation, Hasina’s godfathers began fleeing the country one after another.
On the following day, August 5, during the “March for Dhaka” campaign, the public took to the streets. Rasel himself jumped into the Hasina eviction movement. At approximately 1:50 p.m., he joined the victory rally. However, fate dealt a cruel blow—he could not savor the taste of victory for long. During the rally, Rasel came under police gunfire. A bullet struck his eye. Overcome with pain, the young man collapsed to the ground. Some bystanders immediately took him to the hospital by 4:30 p.m. Unfortunately, fate was cruel: at 11 p.m. that same day, Rasel answered the call of Almighty Allah, leaving this mortal world behind to rest in the hereafter. Thus, Md. Rasel Mia became a martyr—one more fresh life lost, another parent’s embrace emptied.
Though the country’s liberation from tyranny was won at the cost of such young lives, these heroic sons of the nation could not live to enjoy the fruits of that freedom. Perhaps this is why the poet wrote:
“On the path to dawn, I hear someone’s voice—
Fear not, oh fear not!
The one who selflessly sacrifices their life
Shall never truly perish, nor shall their light fade.”
Status of Martyr Rasel’s Family
Rasel’s father, Munsi Mia, suffers from mental illness. On top of this, his compassionate mother, Kulsum Akhtar, has nearly lost her mind after the death of her youngest child. His elder siblings are grief-stricken. The entire household is filled with memories of Rasel. Overwhelmed by sorrow, they are directionless. Kulsum Akhtar sustained the family through the income of her two sons. After losing her youngest son, her eldest son Kawshar Mia remains her sole support. Neighbors and friends mourn the loss of a true companion who stood by them in times of hardship. A promising and innocent life was lost before it could even truly begin.
Feelings of Neighbors and Relatives
A person becomes immortal through their deeds. Though a person passes away, their work remains. Likewise, even after his death, martyr Rasel Mia remains immortal. His name is still spoken with reverence in the community. One neighbor, Sheikh Neyaj, said about Rasel:
“He was very humane, polite, and humble. As the youngest child of the family, he was very responsible and enjoyed living harmoniously with everyone.”
His paternal cousin said:
“Rasel was a devout Muslim and a very gentle and courteous young man.”
When asked about Rasel, his maternal cousin added:
“He had immense humanity within him. He considered others’ troubles as his own and was always the first to rush to help.”
Above all, great-hearted people are perhaps made immortal by the eternal. Likewise, noble souls like martyr Rasel Mia come to this world for a brief time but leave behind long-lasting footprints. The nation will remember his contributions forever during these critical times. May Almighty Allah accept his martyrdom and grant him the highest place in Paradise. (Ameen)
Recommendations
1. Arrange employment for the elder brother.
2. Provide permanent housing for the family.
3. Cover the medical expenses of the father.
At a Glance: Martyr Md. Rasel
Name: Md. Rasel Mia
Occupation: Laborer, Rickshaw Puller
Date of Birth and Age: 12 July 2005
Date of Injury and Martyrdom: 5 August 2024, Monday, approximately 11:00 PM
Place of Burial: Own village – Sundarpara
Permanent Address: Village: Sundarpara, Police Station/Upazila: Barhatta, District: Netrokona
Current Address: MC Bazaar, Maona, Gazipur
Father: Munsi Mia
Mother: Bibi Kulsum Akhtar
House and Property Status: Owns only a residential plot with a house; no other assets
Siblings: Two — Asha Moni (21) and Kawshar Mia (20)