Md. Shuvo

Md. Shuvo was one of those killed on the streets during the July Uprising. He worked as a rickshaw mechanic. His father's name was Abul Khan and his mother's name was Renu Begum. His father was also a rickshaw-puller by profession.
Context of Martyrdom
Following Prime Minister Hasina’s departure from the country, during a time of national instability, the Army Chief called upon several political leaders to help restore order — among them was Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami. Although the public had previously suspected, it was on that day that it became clear that Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, played a significant role in removing the tyrant and killer Sheikh Hasina, who plundered the nation's wealth and ruled as the Pharaoh of Bengal.
Al Jazeera journalist Zulkar Nine Sayar credited the leadership of Salman a.k.a. Sadik Kayem, then President of Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Dhaka University branch (2024 session), as a central figure in the July Movement. Sadik actively participated in every student assembly with his group, protected the movement's coordinators, and brought international attention to the atrocities committed by the Awami League.
In 2024, Zulkar Nine Sayar named Sadik Kayem as Person of the Year. During the movement, Sadik operated under the name “Salman” and maintained all key communications with international journalists and influential persons. He also arranged safe houses for coordinators. Before the single-point demand was declared, some coordinators demanded their families be taken to foreign embassies for asylum; otherwise, they would not move forward. A mysterious woman was involved in this operation — she was the one who provided instructions to Sadik and arranged the safe houses. At several points, she considered withdrawing support due to frustration with the coordinators. However, Sadik repeatedly pleaded with her, saying:
“There are many stakeholders involved. It’s becoming extremely difficult to continue. But I am ready to give my life for this movement.”
This sheds light on why Sadik Kayem was recognized as Person of the Year. While other prominent leaders stayed in safe houses and refused to act unless their families were protected, Sadik insisted on pressing forward with the movement. Others prioritized their families — Sadik prioritized the success of the movement.
Despite making immense sacrifices, neither Sadik nor any other leaders of Chhatra Shibir ever spoke of their roles publicly. They did not join the government nor made any personal claims. And yet, we now discover that while ensuring the safety of others, Sadik himself stood at the brink of death, using his personal number to contact international stakeholders — a number that, if traced, could have quickly led to his execution by Hasina’s regime.
Md. Shuvo was a patriotic citizen deprived of basic civic amenities. While Awami League leaders and workers engaged in flattery, extortion, and looting, Shuvo earned his living through honest labor.
On July 19, during the height of the anti-discrimination student movement, Shuvo was returning home from work with a relative. At that time, a hail of gunfire broke out near Science Laboratory in Dhaka. Sheikh Hasina’s forces, using military-grade weapons, brutally attacked unarmed students to suppress the movement. A bullet fired by the police struck Shuvo in the head. After a long delay, he was taken from the scene to Popular Hospital and later to Dhaka Medical College. Due to excessive blood loss, he passed away the next day, July 20, at 4:10 PM. He was buried in Azimpur Cemetery following his funeral.
Economic Background
His family is extremely poor. His father is a rickshaw-puller.
At a Glance: Information on the Martyred Individual
Name: Md. Shuvo
Occupation: Rickshaw mechanic
Father: Abul Khan
Mother: Renu Begum
Siblings:
• Jannat (Married)
• Mim (Grade 2 student, also sells balloons)
• Sohag (Unemployed)
Permanent Address: Char Sonapur, Shyamrahat, Kazirhat, Mehendiganj, Barisal
Present Address: 86/1, Rayer Bazar, Dhaka
Place of Incident: Science Laboratory, Dhaka
Assailant: Police
Time of Injury: 4:00 PM
Nature of Injury: Gunshot wound to the head
Date, Time, and Place of Death: July 20, 4:10 PM
Burial Site: Azimpur Cemetery
Recommendation
1. Arrangement for a monthly and one-time financial grant