Md. Kamruzzaman

Martyr Introduction
Md. Kamruzzaman was the second son of Md. Abdur Razzak, a migrant worker in Saudi Arabia, from Char Kamaria village, Gafargaon Upazila, Mymensingh district. In his married life, Kamruzzaman was the father of two sons and one daughter. After his death, his mother Samira Jahan Popy became the only companion of his orphaned children. Struggling with the loss of her husband and raising three young children alone, this woman faces immense hardship.
Kamruzzaman lived in a rented house in Uttara, Dhaka, where he worked as a private car driver. A few days before the July revolution, he had applied to go to Poland. However, when the movement started in the country, he joined the protests with the students in Uttara, Dhaka.
Context of the Movement and Martyrdom
On 4 August 2024, the streets of the capital, Uttara, were filled with thousands of protesters. The students and people rose up against injustice and oppression by the state. Among the brave youth was Kamruzzaman, whose nature was to stand firm against injustice. Filled with dreams and determination, he took part in the movement demanding justice and rights.
On that day, gunfire spoke in the streets of Uttara. Kamruzzaman was targeted by bullets, sustaining eight gunshot wounds on his head and body. Amidst the crowd, a courageous voice was silenced forever. However, his whereabouts remained unknown for the next fifteen days. Family members searched hospitals and police stations but found no trace of him, as if swallowed by silent darkness.
On 19 August 2024, the family received news of an unidentified body at the morgue of Shahid Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. They rushed there and identified the body as Kamruzzaman’s. His mother, wife, and children mourned deeply. The bullet wounds bore witness to the brutal violence inflicted upon him. The next day, 20 August 2024, he was laid to rest in his ancestral graveyard. Surrounded by family tears, neighborly respect, and friends’ love, a brave young dreamer’s blood-stained chapter was buried with him.
Kamruzzaman’s life and martyrdom have become the symbol of an eternal spirit. He has not disappeared but remains a martyr in every slogan of the movement and in every brave heart.
Family and Community Reflections
Kamruzzaman’s wife, Sharmin Jahan Popy, said, “We spoke every day. On 4 August, I couldn’t talk to him in the morning because he was busy. Later around 2 PM, I called but an unknown person answered and said Kamruzzaman was injured. He couldn’t tell where. Since then, my husband’s phone has been off. We searched all government hospitals but couldn’t find him. On 19 August, the Deputy Inspector of Sher-e-Bangla Police Station, Dhaka, Muhibullah, informed us about his death. We then received his body from Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital morgue. Before burial, I saw eight bullet wounds on his head and body. My husband is a martyr for the country. Now I want the government to take responsibility for my children.”
Popy’s elder brother Jahangir Alam said, “The postmortem was done before burial. We want the government to stand by these orphaned children.”
Md. Shafiqul Islam, headmaster of Char Kamaria Government Primary School, Gafargaon, said, “A police officer from Dhaka called me and sent Kamruzzaman’s photo. After recognizing him, I informed the family. They identified the body and brought it home for burial.”
Children’s Silent Grief
Jarina Rashmi is only 11 years old, the middle son Afnan Al Jaman is 8, and little Galib Abrab is just 13 months old. These three children have become fatherless at such a young age. Every night Jarina and Galib cling to their father’s side while sleeping, and every morning when they wake to find him gone, their hearts ache deeply. Their silent cries evoke grief among all family and neighbors.
Economic Proposals
The sacrifice of martyr Md. Kamruzzaman is a unique example in the struggle for democracy and a just society in Bangladesh. His unexpected martyrdom has left his wife and three young children in severe economic distress. In this situation, the following humanitarian and economic support proposals are made to the government:
1. Monthly Allowance for Martyr’s Family: A minimum monthly allowance of 15,000 BDT to cover livelihood support including food, education, medical care, and housing.
2. Children’s Education and Future Security: The three children (Jarina – 11, Afnan – 8, Galib – 13 months) should be admitted free of cost to government educational institutions and be provided scholarships. A permanent trust fund should be established to cover their education expenses through higher studies.
3. Permanent Housing: A house should be constructed in the martyr’s family name in their native area.
4. Employment Opportunity for the Widow: Provision of job opportunities for the martyr’s widow.
5. Legal Support and Investigation: Formation of a judicial committee to ensure transparent investigation and punishment of those responsible for the shooting incident.
At a Glance: Martyr Md. Kamruzzaman
Detail Information
Name Md. Kamruzzaman
Birthplace Char Kamaria village, Gafargaon, Mymensingh
Occupation Private car driver (Uttara, Dhaka)
Family Status Husband and father of three children
Date of Martyrdom 4 August 2024
Place Uttara, Dhaka (shot during protest)
Burial Date 20 August 2024, in native village
Context of Martyrdom Shot during the July 2024 people's movement; missing for 15 days before body identified and buried
Notable Information Had applied to go to Poland but joined the movement motivated by patriotism