Dhaka: Md Nayem, a 17-year-old student from Shanarpar Rowshan Ara Degree College with aspirations of becoming a judge, tragically lost his life to a bullet during an anti-discrimination student movement. His untimely death occurred on July 19 last year in the Kutubkhali area of Jatrabari, marking a significant moment in what had become a student-people uprising.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Nayem’s death left his family in emotional and financial turmoil. His father, Md Kamrul Islam, a garment employee, has been unable to return to work due to the mental trauma of losing his son. Despite Nayem’s talents in sports such as badminton, cricket, and football, it was his ambition to become a judge that stood out, inspired by lawyers in their family.
On that fateful day, Nayem attended Friday prayers and then left home without informing his parents. As hours passed and the unrest in Jatrabari intensified, his parents grew increasingly worried. Kamrul, despite being unwell, began searching for his son after being urged by Nayem’s mother. The family’s search extended through the night, defying a curfew and visiting hospitals and police stations in a desperate attempt to find their son.
Their search ended in heartbreak when they were informed that Nayem had been killed. A boy named Rakib had attempted to save him after he was shot, but Nayem was already critically injured. Rakib took him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where Nayem was mistakenly registered under Rakib’s name, delaying the family’s discovery of his fate.
Nayem’s death has left a void in his family. His mother, Mahmuda Perveen, struggles with the loss, clinging to memories of her son’s cheerful demeanor. Kamrul, now facing financial difficulties, remains focused on supporting their elder son, Md Noman, a student at Kabi Nazrul Government College.
The family is demanding justice for Nayem, seeking accountability for those responsible for his death. Perveen has expressed a desire for severe punishment for those involved, including Sheikh Hasina, emphasizing the deep pain and loss the family has endured.