Md. Rabiul Islam

Rabiul Islam is a martyred name, one who shed fresh blood to drive away the elephant of autocracy. His arrival on this earth, illuminating his parents' home, occurred in the latter part of the twentieth century, on October 17, 1997. His birthplace is the traditional district of Barisal, known as the Venice of Bengal, situated on the banks of the Kirtankhola River. His arrival brightened the home of farmer Abdul Latif Farazi and housewife Delowara Begum in Shakbunia village, Forkania Union, Bakerganj Upazila of this district. On that day, a wave of joy swept through Rabiul's family with the arrival of their second child. He was the second of his parents' two children. Little Rabiul grew up playing, laughing, and being cherished in his mother's lap in his village home.
The Martyr's Offering
July 19, 2024; Jatrabari area, Dhaka. The black shadow of evening descended across Dhaka. The entire country, including the capital, Dhaka, was then turbulent with the quota reform movement. The Jatrabari area was also agitated by the students' movement. The black shadow of evening was gradually deepening. Suddenly, the sound of police gunfire echoed over the protesting students and citizens. A bullet struck Rabiul's body with intense speed. He fell down. The time was then 6:30 PM.
The bullet-wounded Rabiul was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. But within just 30 minutes, at 7 PM, Rabiul, at the age of only 27, completed his journey in this world and flew away as a green bird of paradise towards eternal life. Another name was written with a chest riddled by the bullets of the autocrat—Shaheed Rabiul Islam!
Detailed Information about Martyr Rabiul Islam
Upon reaching youth, Martyr Rabiul Islam came to the capital, Dhaka, in search of work. He was employed in the electronics business in Nawabpur, Dhaka. Previously, he was involved in agricultural work in his village. He used to cultivate paddy on their 1-acre (100 decimals) land to support the family's expenses. Alongside, he was trying to improve his life by running an electronics goods business in the Nawabpur area of Dhaka. His behavior, dedication to work, and unique personality made him beloved and well-known to the people of his village.
During his student life, Rabiul Islam studied at a local school in Bakerganj, Barisal. Throughout his school and college life, he was always known as an honest, dedicated, and ideal student. Rabiul was politically aware and always vocal about the rights of the people in his area. Although he was not directly involved in political movements, he had a strong sense of responsibility for the proper development of society. He believed that proper and honest politics could accelerate the country's development.
From that belief and mindset, he came to Jatrabari to express solidarity with the students' justified movement among the protesting students. But on that dreadful black evening in Jatrabari, he became a victim of the autocratic killer Hasina's diseased politics, and all the light of his life was extinguished by police bullets.
The untimely death of Martyr Rabiul Islam cast an endless shadow of grief over his family. His parents, only brother, and beloved wife were stunned by grief. Especially, the biggest blow was to his wife, Tania Begum! Because she was carrying their unborn child, who would soon see the face of the earth! Yet!
A New Guest Arrived in the Martyr's Family
A month and a half after Rabiul Islam was martyred, on September 8, 2024, his pregnant wife gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. But what a cruel twist of fate! Just a few days ago, his killer Hasina sent the father to the afterlife. The one who was supposed to receive his father's love at this moment came into the world as an orphan! The father who was supposed to kiss his child's cheek at this moment is now in a dark grave!
The birth of the baby girl brought a wave of joy to Rabiul's family, but at the same time, everyone's eyes were filled with tears of grief for the loss of their loved one! It was a cruel bittersweet moment!
The wave of grief from Rabiul Islam's untimely death swept from his area of Bakerganj to Nawabpur in Dhaka. The locals and colleagues were stunned by the death of an honest, hardworking young man.
Rabiul's courage and sacrifice teach us to stand up against injustice, oppression, terrorism, corruption, and autocracy; to shake the throne of the oppressor and protect society and the country. Learning from Rabiul's sacrifice, we will surely not hesitate to jump into movements and struggles to resist all evil forces, Insha'Allah!
Personal Information of the Shaheed at a Glance
Name : Md. Rabiul Islam
Date of Birth : 17.10.1997
Place of Birth : Bakerganj, Barisal
Profession : Electronics Business
Workplace : Nawabpur, Dhaka
Father's Name : Abdul Latif Farazi (62)
Mother's Name : Delowara Begum (50)
Wife's Name : Tania Begum (20)
Permanent Address : Village: Shakbunia, Union: Forkania, Thana: Bakerganj, District: Barisal
Number of Family Members : 5 (Father, Mother, Brother, Wife, and Newborn Daughter)
Family's Source of Income : 1 acre (100 decimals) of agricultural land
Place of Martyrdom : Jatrabari
Killer : Police
Time of Being Shot : 6:30 PM (July 19, 2024)
Time of Martyrdom : 7:00 PM (July 19, 2024)
Burial Place : Family graveyard in the village
Proposals for Assistance to the Martyr's Family
1. Taking responsibility for the child's upbringing.
2. Arranging a job/business for martyr’s brother.