Dhaka: The martyrdom of Jahirul Islam Shuvo, a 28-year-old construction worker, in the massive uprising last year exposed his family to a state of emotional and financial wilderness. Shuvo was shot dead during a victory procession at Azampur in front of Uttara Purba Police Station, following the fall of a nearly 16-year regime on August 5, 2024, in the face of student-people uprising. The bullet that pierced through his head left his family with a devastating void that could never be filled.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Shuvo’s family has no one to turn to as he was the only son of his parents-Sirajul Islam, a 60-year-old cancer patient, and Nazma Begum, a 50-year-old staff member of a private TV channel. His sister, Marzina Akter, is married. Shuvo’s death also left his wife, Ambia Begum, and only son, Ariyan Islam, facing an uncertain future. His son will grow up without experiencing the love of a father.
Shuvo’s mother, Nazma Begum, wailed as she recounted her grief from their rented house in Matuail Uttarpara, Jatrabari. She lamented her son’s untimely death and expressed the emptiness left in their lives. She recounted how she used to see him in dreams every night for the first three months after his death, but not in the past two months. The family’s suffering is compounded by memories of Shuvo’s affectionate greetings and their inability to enter his room, which remains untouched since his passing.
Ambia Begum, Shuvo’s widow, faces a bleak future with no means to support herself and her child. She has been forced to move to her parents’ house in Panchagarh. Despite receiving financial aid from the July Shaheed Smrity Foundation, no amount of money can replace the loss of her husband. Ambia is left with sorrow and uncertainty about her and her son’s future. Her son, Ariyan, has been enrolled in a local school, and she seeks prayers for his well-being.
Shuvo’s father, Sirajul Islam, highlighted the financial crisis the family faces after losing their sole breadwinner. With insufficient income from his wife’s salary, the family contemplates moving to a cheaper house, unable to return to their village due to river erosion.
Nazma tearfully recalled Shuvo’s final morning, unaware it would be their last farewell. The day unfolded with chaos and violence across the city. Despite warnings, Nazma navigated through dangerous streets to return home, only to learn of her son’s death from a bullet injury. Shuvo had given his father’s mobile number to students who aided him in his final moments. His body was brought home that night and laid to rest the next day.
Nazma demanded capital punishment for those responsible for her son’s death. She mourned the loss of her biggest wealth, her son, and the void left in her life following his untimely demise.