By Borun Kumar Dash

DHAKA, May 16, 2025 (BSS) – Shihab Ahmed, a brilliant student from Sirajganj and imbued with patriotism, had a dream of serving the nation by joining the Bangladesh Army as an officer.

But on August 4, 2024, during the anti-discrimination student movement, his dream was shattered forever as he was shot dead during the student-led mass uprising for ousting autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina.  

His life was cut short when “police opened fire at the protesters” in front of the Enayetpur Police Station in Sirajganj, leaving his family devastated and their dreams ruined.

Shihab, a second-year commerce student at Sirajganj Government College, was born on January 14 in 2005 at Madhabpur village of Enayetpur Union at Belkuchi Upazila in Sirajganj.

 His father, Shafiuddin (45), is an expatriate in Malaysia while his mother, Mst Shahnaz Khatun (45), is a housewife.

Known for his discipline and integrity, he was actively involved in local voluntary organizations, including a blood donation group.

 He was beloved to all for his kindness, patriotism, and dedication to serving others.

Recounting the good virtues of Shihab, his mother, Shahnaz, burst into tears while talking to BSS about her worthy son at their village home in Sirajganj.

“Shihab was the eldest among our three sons. He dreamed of joining the army and serving the country,” Shihab’s grief-stricken mother said.

Since Shihab’s father is an expatriate, his mother mainly performs the responsibilities of educating them.

“His father worked hard for the education of our sons. He wanted to make them worthy citizens of the country.

 Shihab was our hope, which will never come true,” Shahnaz wailed.

Noting that Shihab’s father couldn't even return home to have the last glimpse of him, she tearfully said, “What will I reply to him when my husband will return home?”

Shihab’s two younger twin brothers—Hasan and Hossain— are studying in class six and seven at Imperial Pre-Cadet School in Enayetpur.

Recalling the memories of the day of tragedy, Shihab’s mother said just before the fateful incident she talked to her beloved son over the phone.

“When I asked where he was, my son replied he was at the hospital to donate blood to someone. He told me he would talk to me later,” Shahnaz wailed.

But around 1.30pm, she said, “Police opened indiscriminate firing at the protesters in front of Enayetpur Police Station when a bullet struck Shihab on his right rib”.

Though Shihab’s friends immediately rushed him to Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College and Hospital and tried their level best to save his life, doctors declared him dead upon arrival at the hospital.

Shihab went home on vacation as exams were postponed due to anti-discrimination student movement.

 But he didn’t disclose about his involvement in the movement to his family.

“We joined the movement beyond our knowledge. His friends informed us after he was shot. And then we rushed to the hospital immediately,” weeping Shahnaz said. 

They later received the body without a postmortem from the hospital that night.

 Shihab was laid to his eternal rest at the Ajugara graveyard in Enayetpur.

Shihab’s fellow protester Ahmed Saad recalled that they had eaten biscuits together just ten minutes before Shihab was “shot dead”.

“When the police started firing, everyone ran. I looked back and saw Shihab fell on the ground. His eyes had rolled back. Then we rescued him,” said Saad, who is still haunted by the scene of Shihab’s last breath.

“Even though Shihab was my junior, our relationship was like friends. We tried our best to save him, but couldn't,” he said in an emotion choked voice.

Recalling the elder brother’s memory, Shihab’s younger brother, Hasan, tearfully said, “My brother loved me so much.

 He used to help me study. We used to have meals together. I miss him every day. I can’t sleep as his memories still haunt me whenever I go to bed.”

Shihab’s grieving grandmother Shahida Begum (60) said, “Shihab was my worthy grandson. I raised him with love. I never imagined he would be taken from us this way. Now my only prayer is- may he rest in peace.”

Seeking justice for her son’s killing, Shahnaz said the government should take stern measures against the perpetrators so that no dictator can come to power in the future.

“Hundreds of students and people embraced martyrdom or were injured during the 2024 uprising. 

In exchange for their sacrifices, we got an autocracy-free country. Now our hope is not to see any dictator come to power in the future and no more mothers have to lose their children,” she added.

Shahnaz demanded the killers of the students and people during the uprising must be brought to justice soon.

She also demanded state recognition for the martyrs of the July Uprising and rehabilitation of the people who were injured throughout the anti-discrimination student movement.

When asked about financial support, Shahnaz said they received Taka 5 lakh from the July Shaheed Smrity Foundation and Taka 2 lakh from Jamaat-e-Islami.

Before Eid-ul-Fitr this year, she said that Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Belkuchi Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) sent gifts for them.