BHOLA, Mar 25 (BSS): Md Shakil, a 20-year-old sweet factory worker, courageously stood against the authoritarian rule of Sheikh Hasina's government in July-August mass uprising and embraced martyrdom.
Shakil was the youngest of six siblings, born to the late Md Jalal Uddin and Shakinur Begum, hails from Kazirabad, Ward No. 5 of Badarpur union in Lalmohan upazila of Bhola.
Two years ago, financial hardships forced Shakil to leave his studies and start working in a sweet factory alongside his elder brother, Md Rakib, in the Bosila, Mohammadpur area of capital Dhaka.
When the July uprising started spreading across the country, he felt compelled to stand with the people in their struggle.
On July 19, while actively participating in the movement, Shakil was fatally shot in the capital's Dhanmondi area.
In a tearful voice, his mother, Shakinur Begum, remembered her son's bravery and determination, mourning his loss but honouring his sacrifice for the cause of freedom.
"I used to talk to my son on mobile almost every day. On Friday, after Jumma prayers, Shakil called me and asked how I was,' she said in a recent interview with the news agency.
"Baba (father), don't go out. No matter who calls you, stay inside. But Shakil's response was chilling. "Mother, I am going to be a martyr," she added.
He had shared the same words with his elder brother, Md Rakib.
Shakil had lost his father, Jalal Uddin, five years ago due to paralysis. Following his father's death, his elder brothers enrolled him in a madrasah in Dhaka, where he memorised 20 paras of the Holy Quran.
His two elder brothers worked together in a sweet factory and lived in a room provided by their employer.
On July 19, Shakil had another phone conversation with his mother, checking on her health. She warned him against going outside due to the unrest in the area. However, Shakil once again reassured her, saying, "Mother, I'm going to be a martyr."
His brother Rakib also tried to stop him from leaving, but around 3:00 pm, Shakil left their room and headed to his elder brother Miraj's house in Dhaka Udyan, Mohammadpur.
Shakil's final conversation with his mother and brother carried an ominous message. Despite their pleas for him to stay indoors, he was determined to leave.
After briefly staying at his elder brother Miraj's house, Shakil left to join the movement with his friends.
His brother, Md Rakib, recalled the day saying "On July 19, around 12:00 noon, after finishing work at the factory, we took a bath and offered Jummah prayers. Later, we returned to our room and had lunch."
"Around 3:00 pm, Shakil left the house, saying that he was going to his elder brother Miraj's house. After that, there was no trace of Shakil," said Rakib.
