Widowed by quota protest violence, Khadija concerned about her unborn child

KURIGRAM, July 29 (UNB): Khadija Begum, 19, wife of Nur Alam from Kurigram who was killed during the recent quota protest violence, has become speechless.

Losing her husband just one year into their marriage, she is now eight months pregnant and in a state of confusion. She demands justice for her husband's murder and a secure future for her unborn child. Nur's relatives and neighbours shared the same demands.

During a visit to their home, this correspondent saw Khadija, crying uncontrollably and at times standing silently by her slain husband's grave.

On the morning of July 20, 2024, 20-year-old Nur from Mollapara under Bhogdanga union in Kurigram Sadar upazila was working as a mason in Gazipur and was on his way to his rented house there for lunch. As violence over the quota reform protests was underway, a stray bullet went through his eye. Nur collapsed at the scene and was later declared dead by doctors when locals took him to the hospital. His body was kept at the government hospital in Joydebpur, and the next day, he was buried in his village in Kurigram. Relatives and neighbours are grief-stricken by Nur's death and are worried about the future of his wife and unborn child.

Neighbour Shafiqul Islam said, "Nur Alam was a good-natured boy. He was not involved in any party or politics. They were poor people, living day to day. He left home to work as a mason and was killed by a bullet. We demand justice for this murder. We also demand a secure future for his unborn child and his wife." Nur's widow, Khadija, said, "My husband was killed by a bullet. I demand punishment for those who killed my husband. I am also asking the government to secure our future." Bhogdanga Union Parishad (UP) Chairman Md Sayedur Rahman, said, "Suddenly, losing their eldest son to a bullet has left the family helpless. We are calling for assistance for this family in this situation."