Dhaka: Bilkis Akter, mother of college-going martyr Md Eyasir Sarker, was unable to deter her son from participating in the anti-discrimination student movement despite her affectionate attempts to keep him safe at home. Eyasir, a determined young student, joined the street protests every day starting from July 16, ultimately sacrificing his life on August 5 while celebrating with thousands on the city streets following the fall of the ruler Sheikh Hasina. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bilkis Akter tried to persuade her son with heartfelt pleas to avoid the protests, fearing for his safety. However, Eyasir's resolve was unshaken after witnessing the brutal killing of Abu Sayeed on July 16, prompting him to join the movement in the Shanir Akhra area. He continued his participation until his untimely death. Family members, though unable to confirm the exact location and time, believe Eyasir was shot by police in the Kutubkhali area of Jatrabari around 2:50 pm on August 5. Eyewitnesses reported see ing his body lying on the road in the Jatrabari area. At 18, Eyasir was a second-year HSC student at Government Adamjeenagar M.W. College in Narayanganj and lived with his family in Jatrabari. Eyasir's immediate elder sister, Hafsa Bushra, shared stories of the movement with him. She recounted how Eyasir, despite his family's pleas, joined the protest to oppose the killings of fellow protesters. His eldest brother, Md Eyakub Sorkar, had criticized him for his involvement in the movement, but Eyasir was motivated by a sense of duty to his peers who had lost their lives. On August 4, Eyasir returned home injured, prompting another plea from his mother to stay away from the demonstration. However, his enthusiasm for the movement remained, especially upon learning that the "March to Dhaka Programme" had been rescheduled to August 5. His excitement was evident as he jokingly suggested to his family that they all join the march. On the morning of August 5, Eyasir set out after being called by his mother, observi ng the situation on Facebook as crowds gathered in Dhaka. His last communication with his family was around 5 pm. Concern grew as he became unreachable, and by 6:30 pm, Bushra posted on Facebook seeking information about her brother. Later, a heartbreaking image confirmed Eyasir's death, and his family found his body at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Despite being unable to determine who shot Eyasir, the family observed three bullet wounds on his body, questioning the necessity of such force. While returning home with Eyasir's body, they consoled themselves with the belief that he had attained martyrdom. However, the pain of his absence remains profound. Eyasir's father, Md Yusuf Sarker, a cancer patient, recalled his son's dedication to the family and demanded justice for his son's killing. The family was frustrated with the lack of cooperation from the DMCH authorities regarding the death certificate and postmortem procedures. The family's vibrant and dynamic life has been overshadowed by Eyasir's absen ce, leaving an irreparable void. They continue to seek justice for Eyasir and others who were victims of the violent uprising, hoping those responsible will be held accountable.
