Karimul Islam

Karimul Islam was born on May 15, 2002, in Sylhet district. His father's name is Md. Shahabuddin and his mother's name is Sayeda Begum. His wife’s name is Kohinur Akter.
Context of Martyrdom
The movement against the quota system began continuously from July 5. Initially, this movement was peaceful, but it turned violent from July 15 onwards. At first, the student league and party supporters attempted to suppress the movement. This militant group brutally beat the students. Subsequently, to suppress the students, Sheikh Hasina deployed police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and the army on the streets.
On July 6, BNP General Secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam said, “BNP is a political party. It must respond to what is happening in the country. This is a student movement. There is no need for BNP involvement. That said, will we not provide moral support to a just movement?”
On July 8, Obaidul Quader said, “The quota cancellation issue is under judicial review. Please wait for the court’s verdict.”
On the other hand, Nahid Islam stated, “The government must repeal all unreasonable and discriminatory quotas in all grades of government jobs and pass a law in Parliament to retain a minimum quota only for constitutionally disadvantaged groups. This responsibility lies solely with the executive branch and the government. Showing the court no longer benefits.”
On July 11, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Kamal said, “Students are crossing the limit.”
On July 14, Sheikh Hasina said, “I have nothing to do with the quota issue. The court will decide after the case. The executive branch has no role in this. It must be resolved in court.”
“They (the protesters) neither respect the law, nor the court, nor the constitution. Do they understand what the executive’s role is? How a government runs under regulations and provisions? They have no idea. Will the grandchildren of freedom fighters lose out? Then, will the grandchildren of traitors get jobs?”
In immediate protest, students across the country took to the streets chanting slogans like “Who are you? Who am I? Rajakar! Rajakar!” and “Who said that? Who said that? Tyrant! Tyrant!”
On July 15, Obaidul Quader said, “The student league will respond to the protesters’ ‘Rajakar’ slogans regarding quota reform.”
The central president of the student league, Saddam, stated, “Those chanting ‘I am a Rajakar’ during the quota reform movement, we will put an end to them.”
At that time, Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Nawfal said, “Those who publicly abandoned their identity, origin, and personality by chanting ‘Who are you? Who am I? Rajakar! Rajakar!’ — they are all the Rajakars of this era. Their fate will be like the Rajakars of that era! Hatred, condemnation, and anger towards them! You are the party of Rajakars, leave Bangladesh immediately!”
From the next day, government-sponsored terrorist forces attacked with firearms. Meanwhile, unarmed common students continued to sacrifice their lives in large numbers. Islamic student organizations kept the movement alive with safe homes for coordinators and innovative programs.
A “March for Dhaka” program was called. The nation, united in the “Hasina Go Home” movement, took to the streets with unprecedented momentum compared to any past movement.
Shaheed Karimul Islam participated courageously in the movement on August 5. During the protests, he was shot and injured by police in front of the Jatrabari Police Station. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he remained under treatment for two months before passing away on October 1.
Economic Condition
Shaheed Karimul Islam was a small-scale businessman by profession, selling lemons wholesale. He owned a small piece of ancestral land in his village where his parents live. Due to lack of income, they are currently living in extreme poverty. His wife, who is nine months pregnant, is staying at her parental home and is also enduring severe financial hardship.
Summary Information About the Shaheed
Name Karimul Islam
Date of Birth 15/05/2002
Profession Small-scale business (wholesale lemon seller)
Father Md. Shahab Uddin
Mother Sayeda Begum
Wife Kohinur Akter, Age: 19
Children 9 months pregnant
Siblings 3 brothers
Permanent Address Paschim Ruhitnashi, Lakhai, Habiganj, Sylhet
Current Address Paschim Ruhitnashi, Lakhai, Habiganj, Sylhet
Location of Incident In front of Jatrabari Police Station
Attacker Police gunfire
Time of Injury August 5, 12:00 noon
Nature of Injury Four gunshot wounds to chest and arm
Date, Time, and Place of Death October 1, 2024, 5:00 a.m., Dhaka Medical College
Burial Place Native village
Recommendations
1. Arrangement for monthly and one-time financial assistance.
2. Rehabilitation support.