Jamal Uddin- Photo : Collected

CHATTOGRAM, April 18, 2025 (BSS) - The family of Jamal Uddin, who embraced martyrdom during the July Uprising of 2024, is now grappling with severe financial hardship following the loss of their sole breadwinner.

Jamal, a 54-year-old auto-rickshaw driver, was shot dead by police when he joined a joyous procession at Hathazari upazila bus stand following the downfall of a nearly 16-year-long autocratic regime on August 5 last year in the face of the student-people mass uprising.

Though the day has emerged as a significant turning point in the country's democratic movement, Jamal's death left his family distraught.

Jamal's wife, Taslima Begum; daughter, Tania Akter Rumi, 19; and son, Al Amin, 17, have been devastated at his sudden demise.

According to eyewitnesses, Jamal, a resident of Oxygen Kulgaon in the city, was struck by a bullet and fell onto the ground when police were firing tear shells and bullets to disperse the victory procession.

He was first taken to Hathazari Upazila Health Complex and later transferred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, where he breathed his last around 9pm on that day.

Talking to BSS, Taslima said, "They were (police) ruthless, cruel and inhumane. My husband was begging for water with a bullet injury and trying to stand up. But at that time another bullet hit him in the chest."

She alleged that the police fired bullets indiscriminately from the roof of the police station. "It cannot be an example of maintaining law and order," Taslima said.

After the death of her husband, Taslima was left with no choice but to work as a domestic helper in local households. Struggling to make ends meet, she now shoulders the burden of running her family alone.

Her son, Al Amin, works at a petrol pump, earning a meagre monthly salary of Tk 7,000. Due to their dire financial situation, she was compelled to suspend the treatment of her mentally ill daughter, Tania, Taslima said.

She said she had rented a house near Hathazari Sadar with support promised by some charitable organisations. However, that assistance has now stopped, making it ever more difficult for the family to pay the monthly rent amounting to Tk 3,000.

Recently, Taslima received Tk 5 lakh from the July Shaheed Smrity Foundation, and with that money, she is now trying to manage her family's daily expenses.

"My husband's income was not very high, but we were having a happy life. He never left any of the children's needs unfulfilled. Just to survive with my children, I am now working as a maid in the neighbours' houses," Taslima said in an emotion-hoked voice.

She said that she left her parents-in-law's house due to security reasons.

Noting that she didn't get any financial assistance except from the July Shaheed Smrity Foundation, Taslima said on behalf of BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, local BNP leader Barrister Helal provided them with some food items.

Besides, Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanam provided them with new clothes on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Taslima has appealed to the government for further financial assistance for her daughter's medical and wedding expenses and a suitable job for her son.

Talking to BSS about her martyred father, Tania became emotional and tearfully said, "My father loved me so much. He never ignored any of my wishes. He wouldn't have dinner without me."

Taslima and her daughter have demanded justice for the killing of Jamal.

"We have lost everything. Now, all we want is justice for his murder," they said in a sobbing tone.

"Will there ever be a peaceful and safe society in this country where innocent people will not lose their lives to police gunfire?" Taslima questioned.