NETRAKONA, Sept 1, 2024 (BSS) - Family members of Sabbir Islam, a martyr of the anti-discrimination student movement, have now been passing their days in hardship and frustration since Sabbir's death in police firing on August 5.
 
Now, Sabbir's family members have taken shelter in the house of Sabbir's brother-in-law Canchal Mia at Baniajan village under Atpara upazila in Netrakona district as they have no land or home.

Sabbir, 43, was the son of late Sukkur Ali of village Khila-Boundy under Luneshwar union of Atpara upazila in Netrakona district.

Sabbir left behind his wife, three daughters and a minor son. He used to work at a private mustard oil factory in Ashulia area of Dhaka and he along with his family lived in a rented house there. The factory was closed in July following the anti-discrimination student movement.

As a result, Sabbir became unemployed and ran his family by taking loans from his near and dear ones.
 
"In the morning of August 5, 2024, Sabbir left his house searching for a job. Then, he saw that a large number of students and local people from all walks of life came out on the streets in Ashulia area of Dhaka and continued chanting slogans demanding the resignation of the autocratic and fascist government led by Sheikh Hasina- - - -Being inspired by the movement, Sabbir joined the student-mass uprising to free the country from the autocratic rule," Sabbir's wife Farida Akter quoting the witnesses as saying.

"At one stage, police opened fire indiscriminately targeting the student -people - - - then a bullet hit the forehead of Sabbir - - -As a result, Sabbir died on the spot near the Ashulia Police Station", she said breaking down into tears.
 
Later, local people informed her over mobile phone about the death news of Sabbir and she along with local people recovered his body from the road and buried it at village Baniajan under Atpara upazila of the district, she said.

"Sabbir was the only earning person in our family. So, we are facing a miserable condition as we are not finding a way of regular earning- - -now we are living in my brother's house as we have no land or home", Farida added in an emotion-choked voice.

"I never get back my husband, but I am proud of him as he embraced martyrdom to free the country's people from the autocratic and fascist government of Sheikh Hasina, I want justice and exemplary punishment of those who were responsible for his death", she lamented.

Talking to BSS, Mahbub Khan, general secretary of BNP Baniajan union unit, said, Sabbir's family is facing financial hardship and uncertainty after the sudden death of Sabbir.

In this context, he said, "We (the people of Baniajan union) have constituted an organization namely "Shaheed Sabbir Smriti Parishad" for commemorating the martyr Sabbir and helping his family.

Canchal Mia, brother-in-law of Sabbir, said my widow sister and her family members are now living in my house as they are landless and homeless.

He drew the attention of the government and well-to-do people to come forward to help the family.

Talking to this BSS correspondent, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Atpara upazila M Sazzadul Hasan said that the upazila administration has already handed over a cheque of Taka 25,000 to the family of the martyr Sabbir.