LALMONIRHAT, Nov 24, 2024 (BSS) – Shahinur,19, had a dream that one day he would build a house with his own earnings for his parents. That’s why he went to Dhaka to try his luck, but his dream remains unfulfilled as he was killed during the anti-discrimination student movement.

Md Shahinur Alam, hailing from Basuria village under the Barabari union of Lalmonirhat sadar upazila, was standing in front of the Lalbagh police station in the Kamrangirchar area of Dhaka district in the morning of August 6, the day after the fall of the fascist Awami League government.

Shahinur joined a victory procession brought out under the banner of the anti-discrimination student movement there.

Then, police from inside the police station opened fire at the procession; Shahinur was shot, and he fell down on the road.

Locals rescued took him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he died while undergoing treatment.

His body was brought to his native village, and later he was buried in the central graveyard of Barabari Union’s Khedabagh on the night of August 6.

Shahinur was the third son of Md Abdul Jabbar, 57, and Mocha Machiron Begum, 53, of Bara Basuria village in Barabari Union of Lalmonirhat Sadar.

He has four siblings: Md. Majedul Islam, 24, Md. Saidul Islam, 21, Majeda Begum, 23, and Marufa Khatun 12.

His two brothers are autorickshaw drivers; his sister Majeda Begum is married, while another sister, Marufa Khatun, is a student at Mohammad Bagh Adarsh Noorani Hafizia Madrasa. Shahinur Alam was a student at Darus Sunnah Hafizia Madrasah.

He could not continue his studies due to insolvency. Shahinur, an auto-rickshaw driver, was residing in a hostel in Dhaka's Kamrangirchar area. He used to provide a large portion of his income to his family.

Shahinur was known as a humble and gentle boy in his neighborhood. Hence, a road has been named after him, 'Shahinur Alam Road'.

Father Abdul Jabbar said, "I have become old. I can't earn. Earlier, I used to earn working on people's land. I have nothing except a house on the government's land.”

“They (police) shot my son, who used to be a bread earner for my family... Alas, they killed my son!!”

“My wife remains somber all the time. He has become depressed after losing Shahinur.”

He said if the government provides financial assistance to them, they would be able to run their family.

“I am yet to receive any financial assistance from the government,” he said, adding that BNP's Rangpur Divisional Organizing Secretary Principal Asadul Habib Dulu has given 70,000.”

“Many people came to us to convey their sympathy... But none helped us,” he added.

Demanding punishment to the killers of Shahinur, he said, “I want justice for all the parents whose children were snatched from them... I want the killers' punishment.”

Shahinur’s mother, Machiran Begum, shedding tears, said, “They killed my son. Who will be our inspiration to be alive? Who will pay for my medicine? Who will pay for my clothes? Who will pay for my daughter's education? And who will call me ‘Mother’?

Chairman of Lalmonirhat Sadar Barabari Union Parishad, Md. Nazmul Huda Limon, said, “I am aware of Shahinur Alam's family. I could not hold back my tears at his death. His family is very penurious. Basically, his parents lived on Shahinur's money. As Shahinur was killed, they are facing a financial crisis.”

He said, “I will try to help financially on behalf of my union council.”
Lalmonirhat District Magistrate HM Raqib Haider said, “We will make all arrangements to support the families who have been affected during the anti-discrimination student movement.”