Dhaka: Shaheed Noor Hossain, a name that evokes a powerful image of protest against the autocracy of Hussain Mohammad Ershad in 1987, finds a reflection in Abdullah Al Mamun, a student at Chittagong University, during the July Mass Uprising of 2024. Mamun emerged as a symbol of resistance on the streets of Chattogram, echoing the legacy of Noor Hossain with slogans emblazoned across his chest and back.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Abdullah Al Mamun, a History Department student at Chittagong University, was a classmate of Shaheed Hridoy Chandra Tarua and a senior to Shaheed Farhad Hossain, who were both killed during the July Mass Uprising. Mamun's slogans, such as 'FREE QUOTA OR DIE' and 'Dofa Ek dabi Ek, Quota not Comeback', gained significant attention both domestically and internationally.
Born in a farming family in Bartipara, Mymensingh Sadar, Mamun overcame numerous hardships to enroll at Chittagong University in 2022. From the onset of the uprising, he was a prominent figure in the protests. A photograph of the slogan 'FREE QUOTA OR DIE' on his chest was first published by an international news agency, encouraging the protesters when it was widely circulated.
Mamun recounted how he purchased paint for Tk 150 to write various slogans over three days. His slogans included 'Chashar chele chasha keno?' and 'Kota theke mukti de, noile more kobor de'. Mamun's participation in the protests included leading processions and demonstrations at key locations such as CU Shaheed Minar and Bahaddarhat, often holding the national flag.
Mamun claimed that his visible presence made him a target for leaders and activists of banned groups like the Awami League and Chhatra League. He described being threatened and pursued by police, necessitating frequent changes in his residence for safety.
On July 15, Mamun faced a violent encounter in Muradpur, where he was attacked by Chhatra League activists. He narrowly escaped, aided by a local woman who disguised him as a hotel worker. Mamun recalled his friend Tarua's warning about the danger of leading the protests, a warning that proved prophetic when Tarua was killed at Bahaddarhat.
Mamun joined the July Mass Uprising in response to issues such as illegal elections, enforced disappearances, and attacks on dissent. He drew inspiration from figures like Tunisian Bouazizi and Shaheed Noor Hossain, who motivated him to stand up against autocratic rule.
Currently pursuing his master's degree, Mamun was initially a member of CU Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal but was expelled in October last year for violating organizational discipline. Abdullah Al Noman, CU Chhatra Dal's general secretary, stated that they might reconsider the expulsion if Mamun shows loyalty to the party and works for the welfare of students and the organization.