Sheikh Hridoy Ahmed Shihab

Sheikh Hridoy Ahmed Shihab was born in 2006 to Shah Alam Hawlader and Nasima Begum in the village of Razar Char Ajgor Hawladerkandi, under Sannyasir Char Union, Shibchar Upazila, Madaripur District. He attained martyrdom after being shot during the anti-quota movement in 2024.
By profession, Shihab was an employee at a furniture shop. Around eight years ago, his father Shah Alam Hawlader sustained a shoulder injury in a motorcycle accident, which rendered him incapable of performing heavy labor. Recently, he has also developed heart problems.
Following his father's incapacitation, financial hardship struck the family. To support the household, Shihab’s mother, Nasima Begum, was compelled to take up sewing work. Gradually, the family began to regain stability. At that time, Shihab was studying in class eight.
To ease the family’s burden, he left his studies and moved to Dhaka. He joined a furniture shop and played a significant role in financing his father's medical treatment. Thus began his life as a laborer. For approximately three years, Shihab worked in the furniture store, spending only a minimal amount on himself and sending the rest of his salary to his mother.
In his spare time, one of his greatest hobbies was roller skating.
Circumstances Leading to His Martyrdom
"As the road was engulfed in smoke, he couldn’t see and tried to cross it."
Shihab was employed at ‘Hasan Steel and Furniture’, owned by his cousin Monir Molla in the Badda Link Road area of Dhaka. On Friday, 19 July 2024, after attending Jumu’ah prayers, he went to have lunch at Monir Molla’s sister’s residence. At that time, the area had been taken over by ruling party activists who were firing continuously in an attempt to suppress the anti-quota protest.
Terrified by the situation, Shihab, after finishing lunch, attempted to return to the factory. While crossing the road, he was struck by a tear gas shell. Disoriented due to the smoke-filled surroundings, he continued to cross when a police-fired bullet struck his body.
Despite heavy police firing, students rushed him to the hospital. Upon receiving news, his employer Monir Molla rushed to a local hospital where he found Shihab lying in a pool of blood. After being denied treatment there, he was taken to Nagarik Specialized Private Hospital in the Banasree area, where the doctors declared him dead.
When his body arrived that night at their village home in Razar Char Ajgor Hawladerkandi, Sannyasir Char Union, grief and lamentation engulfed the area. On Saturday, in broad daylight, the burial of Martyr Sheikh Hridoy Ahmed Shihab was carried out.
Monir Molla recounted:
"Shihab used to work in my shop. After lunch, while returning to the factory, he was shot. The bullet entered from one side of his chest and exited through the other. He received no treatment. No hospital would admit him. Everything ended before my eyes."
Family and Community Reactions
Shihab’s mother, Nasima Begum, repeatedly broke down in tears, grieving for her only beloved son. His father, Shah Alam Hawlader, rendered speechless in grief, sat quietly in a corner. His sister cried out in agony for the loss of her only brother. Relatives and neighbors mourned deeply. Grandfather Rafique Hawlader, devastated by the loss of his only grandson, began to speak incoherently.
In a voice choked with tears, Shihab’s mother, Nasima Begum, said:
"My son had just finished lunch and was heading to the factory. He wasn’t even part of the protest. Why did they shoot and kill him? He was my only son! What do I live for now? Take me to my son!"
His father, Shah Alam Hawlader, said:
"Shihab was our only son and the sole breadwinner. I demand justice for the killing of my son. The pain of carrying my child’s dead body on my shoulders is indescribable. I never imagined such a fate. Why did my son die from a bullet? Will we get justice?"
His uncle, Sahabuddin Hawlader, added:
"Shihab was the only male child in our family and the only earning member of his father’s household."
A neighbor named Zunaid remarked:
"Shihab was known to be very polite and humble. Whenever he came home during holidays, he mingled well with everyone. No one can accept such a sudden death."
The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Shibchar, Abdullah Al Mamun, commented:
"Shihab’s death is deeply saddening. I have inquired into the matter. Once the situation normalizes, I will try to stand by the family. Additionally, we are ready to provide any necessary assistance if the family wishes."
Media Coverage
The tragic and heart-wrenching story of Shihab has been covered by various prominent news media outlets.
(Links to notable media reports to be attached)
1.. https://reformbangladesh.net/martyrs/†kL-ü`q-Avn‡g`-wknve/
2. https://dailyinqilab.com/index.php/national/article/672604
3. https://www.jugantor.com/tp-firstpage/831751
Awami Aggression
The ground remains soaked with the blood of martyrs like Shihab, and during the 16-year rule of the Awami League government, thousands more have lost their lives. Hundreds of innocent people have been silenced. Below are a few snapshots that reflect the oppressive rule of the Awami regime:
1. Extrajudicial Killings and Crossfire
2. Confinement in Iron Cells Without Trial
3. Suppression of the Media
4. Torture in Police Custody
5. Persecution and Murder of General Students Under the Label of 'Shibir'
6. Money Laundering and Hallmark Scandal
7. Bank Heists and Deception Over Padma Bridge Funds
8. Black Market Money Racketeering
9. Stock Market Scandal
10. Massacres: February 25–26, 2009 at the Pilkhana Headquarters; May 5, 2013 in Custody
11. Undermining the Opposition, Intimidating Former President Ershad
12. Harassment, Imprisonment, and Abuse of Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and Her Son Tarique Rahman, Including the Orchestrated ‘Stroke Drama’ Leading to the Death of Arafat Rahman Koko
13. Formation of Tribunals to Arrest and Eliminate Popular Leaders
14. Brutal Murder of BNP Leader Ilias Ali
15. Seven Murders in Narayanganj Under the Leadership of Awami Godfather Shamim Osman
16. Nationwide Massacre Triggered by the Arrest and Sentencing of Renowned Islamic Scholar Allama Delwar Hossain Sayeedi
17. Expulsion of Islamic Scholars from the Country
18. Threats to Religious Leaders and Attempts on Their Lives Through Vehicle Attacks
19. Creation of Various Quotas in Exchange for Money, Undermining Meritocracy
20. Using Law Enforcement Agencies to Execute Mass Killings Under Direct Control
Final Words
During the rule of the Awami regime, the people of Bangladesh were rendered voiceless by the tyranny of Sheikh Hasina. In 2024, the masses rose to reclaim their freedom of speech. Following the sacrifice of hundreds of innocent lives, Bangladesh witnessed a second wave of liberation. May this spirit of victory awaken patriotism and compassion in all of us.
The martyrdom of Sheikh Hridoy Ahmed Shihab shall be remembered by generations to come. His elderly parents have been devastated by his sudden demise. The silent grief of his father and the heart-wrenching cries of his mother have cast a heavy sorrow over their home.
May this valiant young soul live on in our hearts and in our lives.
At a Glance: Information Related to the Martyr
Name: Sheikh Hridoy Ahmed Shihab
Birth Year: 2006
Age: 18
Occupation: Steel Factory Worker
Workplace: Hasan Steel and Furniture
Permanent Address: Village: Razar Char Azgor Hawladarkandi, Upazila: Shibchar, District: Madaripur
Current Address: Village: Nabinagar, Dhaka
Father’s Name: Shah Alam Hawladar
Father’s Occupation: Day Laborer
Mother’s Name: Nasima Begum
Mother’s Occupation: Homemaker
Siblings: One sister (Name: Unknown)
Property: Inherited residential land
Time of Injury: July 19, 2024, approximately 3:30 PM
Incident Location: Badda Link Road, Dhaka
Assailant: Police force allegedly affiliated with the ruling Awami League
Hospital for Medical Treatment: Nagorik Specialized Private Hospital, Banasree
Date and Place of Martyrdom: July 19, 2024, Nagorik Specialized Private Hospital, Banasree
Body Released: July 19, 2024
Burial Location: Native village
Recommendations
1. Monthly or one-time financial assistance could be provided to the martyr’s family.
2. Employment opportunities may be arranged for the martyr’s father.
3. Permanent housing on their ancestral land would greatly benefit the struggling family.