Md Noyon. -Photo: Collected

Dhaka, Feb 21, 2025 (BSS) - "Baba, I may die… I received bullets. Please take care of Arzu and Ayesha. There is no one else, but you, to look after them."
 
These were the last words of 26-year-old Md Noyon, who was fatally shot by police during the student-led Mass Uprising. His father, Nurul Islam, recalled the heartbreaking moment at their residence at Rasulpur Member Goli, Kamrangirchar, outskirts of the capital.
 
Noyon was shot on August 5 at Nawabganj in Old Dhaka. That morning, Nurul received a call from his son's phone. "A stranger asked me whose phone it was. When, I told him that the phone belonged to my elder son, Noyon, then the caller informed me that he had been shot near Nawabganj Dhal," Nurul recounted that phone call and his voice was shaking with emotion.
 
 
Rushing to the scene, the family found Noyon lying on the road. They took him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), where his condition worsened.
 
“While we were taking him to the hospital, Noyon told me, 'Abba, I may not survive… Please look after Arzu [his wife] and Ayesha [his daughter].' Then, he kissed Ayesha on the forehead. Those were his last words before losing consciousness," Nurul said.
 
At DMCH, they faced another ordeal. "The hospital was overcrowded. Despite our repeated pleas, the authorities did not admit him immediately. He was left lying in the corridor with his bullet wounds untreated for hours," Nurul alleged.

Doctors finally agreed to admit him after persistent requests from the family. Noyon underwent surgery, and bullets were removed from his body. However, his condition deteriorated on August 8. Doctors said he needed ICU support, which DMCH lacked. The family transferred him to Max Hospital in Dhanmondi, but Noyon died there around 5:00 pm—before treatment could begin.
 
While visiting Noyon’s home, this correspondent found a three-room damp apartment with no sunlight, reflecting a grim picture of their family’s struggle. Noyon, a day laborer at New Market, had been supporting his wife Arzu and their four-year-old daughter, Ayesha.
 
Little Ayesha, unaware of her father’s fate, said, "Police shot my father… He went abroad and will come back to us soon." Then, pointing to her cheek, she added, "Uncle, do you know? When we were going to the hospital, my father kissed me here."
 
After Noyon's death, his father decided to marry off Arzu to his younger son, Mohsin. "I took the decision for Ayesha’s future," Nurul explained. Mohsin added, "Considering our family's situation, it was the only choice."
 
Despite their hardship, the family has received no assistance from the government. "Only Jamaat-e-Islami gave us Tk 1 lakh. We had to borrow another Tk 1 lakh for Noyon’s treatment. I don’t know how I will repay the loan," Nurul said.
 
He urged the government to provide financial aid, especially for little Ayesha. "She has lost her father… I only ask for support so she can have a better future."
 
Arzu said, “My husband was a good human being…He used to pray namaj regularly. Although we were in financial crisis . . . we always lived happily…Alas!! my husband died untimely.
 
“My daughter always says her father went to abroad…He will return home,” Arzu went on saying.
 
When Noyon died, he told my father-in-law to look after me and my daughter…that’s why I agreed to marry again following the direction of my father-in-law.”