Alif Ahmed Siam. Photo : Collected

By Azad Ruhul Amin
  
BAGERHAT, March 18, 2025(BSS) – Fifteen-year-old Alif Ahmed Siam’s dream of 
becoming a pilot remained elusive as he embraced martyrdom in the July-August 
mass uprising that ousted autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina. 
 
Siam was a 10th grade science student at Dairy Farm High School in the district. 
He regularly participated in the procession and meetings of the anti-discrimination 
student movement and played active roles. 
 
His mother Tania Akhter always wanted that her son will become a doctor when 
he grows up, while Siam dreamt of becoming a pilot as he was an adventure 
loving person and wished to travel across the world. 
 
On the fateful day, Siam left his home at 11:30 am on August 5, 2024 to 
participate in the 'March to Dhaka' program. At that time, he was shot in the head 
under the foot over bridge of Savar Police Station's bus stand at around 2:30 pm.
 
The bullet entered the lower part of his head between his eyebrows and went out 
through his back.
 
Upon receiving the news at around 3:30 pm, mother Tania Akhter admitted Siam 
to Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar. But she could not save her beloved 
son, as he died at 6pm on August 7 while undergoing treatment at the Intensive 
Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital.
  
After the namaz-e-janaza at Islam Nagar Bazar Central Jame Mosque and 
Jahangirnagar Central Shaheed Minar, martyr Siam's body reached Banshbaria 
village in Bagerhat at 5 am on August 8 and he was buried in the family graveyard.
 
Martyr Siam's mother, Tania Akhter, is a teacher by profession. 
 
She said Siam used to tell her that he would become a pilot, go on adventures, 
and perform the holy Hajj with his entire family. 
 
As a talented student, Siam was popular among his teachers. The school principal, 
through his mother, requested Siam not to join the movement. 
 
But Siam told his mother, "Either I will live like a hero, or I will die like a hero." 
 
Siam's mother Tania Akhter told BSS correspondent in a recent interview that, "I 
wanted to be recognized by my son's name instead of my husband's name. Now 
everyone knows me as the mother of martyr Siam." 
 
Siam was injured by rubber bullets and tear gas during a procession at 
Jahangirnagar University on July 17. But he did not quit the movement. Siam 
could not get admission in Jahangirnagar School College and University after 
attending the admission exams in Class One and Class Six due to quota system.
 
Therefore, he played an active role in the quota reform movement. He was on the 
streets until the last day after the downfall of the fascist government.
 
Siam is the only son of businessman Md Bulbul Kabir and teacher Tania Akhter of 
Banshbaria Kashimpur area of Dema Union in Bagerhat Sadar Upazila.
 
Siam has only one sister, Israt Jahan Lamha, 12, who is currently studying in the 
7th grade at Jahangirnagar University School and College.
 
 
Siam's family got Taka five lakh from July Shaheed Smriti Foundation, Taka two 
lakh from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Tk one lakh from Dhaka BNP unit as 
assistance. 
 
Bulbul Kabir, father of Shaheed Siam, said, "My son sacrificed his life to expedite 
the fall of the country's dictatorial regime." 
 
He demanded that a school, college or hospital in Bagerhat should be named after 
Shaheed Siam. 
 
Shaheed Siam's father also said, "Fascist murderer Sheikh Hasina was directly 
linked with the BDR carnage, murder of Hefazat-e-Islami students and in the 
killing of more than 2,000 students and people. Hasina should get maximum 
punishment for her deeds."