Abdullah Al Abir

Among the distinguished sons of Barisal, the name of Abdullah Al Abir will remain ever radiant. His martyrdom shook the very throne of the tyrannical Pharaoh of Bengal — the killer dictator Hasina.
He was born on 20 September 2001.
His father's name is Mizanur Rahman, and his mother's name is Parveen Sultana.
Context of Martyrdom
The 18th of July was an extremely harrowing day. In response to the injuries and deaths of numerous students at the hands of the ruling Awami League the day prior, a significantly larger number of students took to the streets in protest. The entirety of Dhaka erupted in unrest. In the areas of Uttara BNS and Azampur, government-affiliated militants launched coordinated attacks from all sides, brutally killing many.
Describing the horrors of the movement, an eyewitness named R.H. Bappy said:
“I saw Brother Shakil Parvez get shot. Three brave brothers risked their lives to retrieve him from the battlefield. They were members of the Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Private University Branch — specifically, Brother Murad from Manarat University, Brother Asaduzzaman Jony (also from Manarat), and other Shibir activists. We immediately took Brother Shakil to Bangladesh Medical College, where the emergency unit declared him dead upon arrival.
At the hospital, I saw many brothers from the Private University Branch aiding the injured and deceased — providing medical support, financial aid, transportation (bike support), food, and all forms of assistance without pause. Some were even injured themselves.
We were unable to find any ambulance to transport Brother Shakil’s body. None of the nearby hospitals were willing to help. Authorities refused service, claiming they were under instructions from higher-ups, despite ambulances clearly parked in hospital garages.
It was then that we encountered As'hab Rafi, a Shibir leader from the Private University Branch, along with Brother Mutasim Billah Saad — both of whom were also injured. They had been attacked by armed cadres from the Chhatra League and Jubo League. Upon hearing what had happened, Rafi immediately contacted the current president of the Private University Branch, Brother Zahidul Islam, who assured us that an ambulance would be arranged.
Outside the hospital, we stood silently with Brother Shakil’s lifeless body. The number of martyrs continued to rise. By that time, all of Dhaka had turned into a warzone. It took about half an hour for the ambulance to arrive. We intended to take the body to Manarat University, where his funeral prayer (janazah) would be held.
We received information that at Diabari-Birulia, terrorist checkpoints had been set up. These criminals were stopping ambulances, inspecting them, and even attacking the injured inside. Members of the Shibir’s Private University Branch were stationed at various points for intelligence support.
The responsibility for securing the ambulance — both front and rear — was taken by Brother Md. Mehedi, the current Student Rights Secretary of Islami Chhatra Shibir, and his team. Inside the ambulance were myself, Brother Rafi, and Brother Jony.
The first funeral prayer was held on the university campus field. However, we were told we could not leave Dhaka without managing a medical death certificate, as the police were conducting checks at every point. The required death certificate was eventually arranged by brothers from the Private University Branch of Shibir.
I myself was a direct witness to their continuous assistance until we reached Tongi with the body. The ambulance remained with us up to Khilkhet on its way toward Laxmipur, around midnight.
Since 16 July, students from various colleges and private universities affiliated with Shibir had joined the movement to assist general students. Even here, one cannot deny the leadership role played by Shibir. I am not here to discuss whether Shibir is good or bad, but on 18 July 2024, the contribution of Chhatra Shibir and the Private University brothers is undeniable.”
Abdullah Al Abir was a bright student of North South University. Though the July movement was momentarily suppressed by the brutality of police and the Awami League, many believed the protests had ended. Yet, it was the students of private universities who rose again on the streets.
On 19 July, after Jumu’ah prayers, Abir joined the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in protest of the government’s killings on 17 and 18 July. He witnessed the atrocities of the Awami militants firsthand.
While participating in the protest around 6:30 PM, he was shot in the side of the abdomen. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The attending doctor immediately informed that he would need emergency surgery. Due to the bullet wound near his abdomen, his kidney was damaged and had to be removed during the operation. Despite the efforts, Abir could not be saved. He breathed his last at 8:30 AM on 20 July.
Overview of Martyr-Related Information
Name: Abdullah Al Abir
Date of Birth: 20 September 2001
Occupation: Student, North South University
Father’s Name: Mizanur Rahman (Age: 48)
Mother’s Name: Parvin Sultana (Age: 45)
Permanent Address: Baherchar, Khudrakathi, Babuganj, Barisal
Current Address: Gorachand Das Road, Barisal
Incident Location: Nadda, Bashundhara
Assailant: Police
Time of Injury: Friday, 19 July 2024, at approximately 6:30 PM
Nature of Injury: Gunshot wound to the chest
Date, Time & Place of Death: Saturday, 20 July 2024, at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH)
Burial Site: Family Cemetery
Recommendation:
1. To arrange for a monthly and one-time financial allowance for the family.