Dhaka: Wife of Md Masud, a 42-year-old small construction material trader, is grappling with an uncertain future alongside her three young sons following her husband’s tragic martyrdom during the July uprising. Masud was fatally shot by members of “Helmet Bahini of Awami League (AL) and Jubo League” in front of his two sons near Shahi Masjid in Merajnagar B-Block of the Rayerbag area in Jatrabari. The incident occurred when Masud was on his way to offer Asr prayer around 5 pm on July 19.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Masud’s family, consisting of his wife, Hena Begum, 37, and their sons Mahfuj, 11, Maruf, 9, and Mashrafi, 6, is now facing severe hardships. As the sole breadwinner of the family, Masud’s untimely death has left them in a state of financial and emotional turmoil. Hena expressed her grief, recounting how her sons are traumatized by witnessing their father’s brutal killing. “Helmet Bahini brutally killed my husband in front of my two sons. My sons are now suffering from mental trauma,
” she shared, overwhelmed with tears.
Eyewitnesses reported that a video captured from a nearby rooftop showed two helmeted youths indiscriminately firing shots while others instructed them. Masud was struck in the head by a bullet, which proved fatal. The same group reportedly killed a four-year-old boy, Abdul Ahad, on the same day, leaving the local community in shock.
Hena, who revealed that her father and other family members were involved with AL politics, lamented the irony that the party she was associated with was responsible for her husband’s death. Her sister-in-law, Umme Kulsum, recounted the challenges faced when attempting to rescue Masud after the shooting. They were obstructed by AL-men but managed to take Masud to hospitals, where he succumbed to his injuries around 1:30 am.
The family faced further adversity when trying to lodge a general diary (GD) to retrieve Masud’s body and during the burial process at Matuail Graveyard. Authorities and local AL members allegedly harassed them at every
step, adding to their grief and despair.
Struggling to provide for her family, Hena appealed to the government for assistance with her sons’ education and daily needs. She emphasized the need for justice and accountability for her husband’s death, expressing her desire for those responsible to be tried and held accountable.
Hena’s situation underscores the profound impact of political violence on innocent families and the urgent need for support and justice. The community’s support in constructing a more stable dwelling for the family has been a small solace, but the emotional and financial challenges remain overwhelming.