He returned as a corpse while protesting injustice

 

The student and public protests were at their peak. Among many others, Monir joined the movement on the streets. On August 5, at Shahbagh, a police bullet extinguished the light of his life. Driven by an immense love for his country, compassion, and an unyielding spirit against injustice, he left behind his jhoot fabric business to participate in the movement. He returned lifeless but was honored as a martyr, contributing to the nation's unrestrained freedom.

However, the tears and cries have yet to cease in Monir's family. His wife, Rozina Begum, burdened by debt, struggles daily with grave concerns about the future of their two young children, Juna (5) and Abir (10).

Md. Monir hailed from Arfat Ali Dafadar Bari in Dakshin Shambhupur village of Shambhupur Union, Tazumuddin Upazila, Bhola district. Monir was the eldest of four siblings born to A. Mannan and Sajeda Begum. In pursuit of livelihood, his father A. Mannan moved to Dhaka with his eldest son and started a jhoot fabric business.

A. Mannan shared that Monir began his business in Islampur and Suritola, residing in the Bangshal area. On August 5, instead of attending to business, Monir and some others from his mess joined the anti-discrimination student movement. By noon, Monir was injured by police bullets at Shahbagh and admitted to Dhaka Medical College. Mannan received the news of his son's death over the phone at 2 AM from someone on the next bed.

Rozina Begum, Monir’s wife, recounted that Monir was shot in the abdomen at Shahbagh. They received news of his death at 3 AM. Initially, none of their relatives dared to retrieve the body out of fear. Eventually, with the students' help, the body was received on the morning of August 6 and brought home for burial.

As of this report, financial assistance to Monir’s family includes BDT 500,000 from anti-discrimination student groups, BDT 200,000 from the local Jamaat-e-Islami, BDT 50,000 from BNP, and BDT 10,000 from Shilpakala Academy.

From this amount, Monir’s father received BDT 130,000, while the remainder was reserved for his wife and children. Some of this money was used to repay debts, with the rest kept for their children. Rozina Begum, however, expressed her anguish, saying this money would not suffice for long. They had taken a loan of BDT 100,000 from BRAC, of which BDT 60,000 remains unpaid, leading to intense pressure from the organization.

When asked about government assistance, Rozina Begum stated they received BDT 10,000 from the district administration through the Upazila Executive Officer’s efforts. She urged the government for further support.

Tazumuddin Upazila Executive Officer Shubho Debnath confirmed that the district administration had provided assistance and assured further support. 

Published:- .Daily Amardesh