Lives Cut Short by Gunfire: Bipul, Nure Alam, and Zobair
Bipul Hasan (20), Nure Alam Siddiqui (20), and Zobair Ahmed (21) were tragically killed by gunfire. Bipul was outside after receiving a call, Nure Alam was on his way to buy medicine for his pregnant wife, and Zobair was heading out to open his shop. On July 20, in the Koltapara market area of Douhakhla Union in Gauripur Upazila, Mymensingh, a protest broke the curfew and clashed with the police. During the altercation, all three were shot and pronounced dead upon arrival at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.
Bipul was struck in the neck and back, while Nure Alam and Zobair were hit in the left side of their chests. The Koltapara area became a battleground that day, with the police officer-in-charge also being shot and two police vehicles set ablaze.
Bipul had asked his mother for money to buy snacks at the market and left after receiving a call. His family later learned of his death. Bipul’s mother, Bilkis Akter, recounted, “When two others had already been killed, my son went to retrieve their bodies. The police shot him. People said that my son was shot by the police in our neighborhood. Everyone saw that he was killed by police bullets.”
Bipul’s father, Bablu Mia, stated, “My son wasn’t involved in politics. The police killed him. I am calling on the government for justice.”
Nure Alam Out to Buy Medicine for His Pregnant Wife
Nure Alam was out to buy medicine for his pregnant wife, who was suffering from stomach pain. He was among the three killed in the clash. Nure Alam, from Damgaon Madhyapara village in Ramgopalpur Union, Gauripur Upazila, was a Hafiz and had studied at Vasha Madrasa in Ishwarganj while also teaching at a madrasa he founded at home.
Nure Alam’s family said that on July 19, his parents attended a relative’s wedding. Upon their return, they found their son missing and later learned he had been shot. Nure Alam’s mother, Nurun Nahar, fainted upon hearing the news of her son’s death. After keeping his body at home, the family took him to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. Despite recovering somewhat, they were devastated by the loss of their only child. His father, Abdul Halim, said, “How can I seek justice? My son is gone. He wasn’t involved in politics, yet he lost his life.”
Nure Alam’s brother-in-law, Mohammad Elias Mahmood, noted that Nure Alam had his own YouTube channel where he posted Islamic videos. He had heard that Nure Alam was shot while filming the violence. Nure Alam’s mobile phone was also missing.
Zobair Was on His Way to Open His Shop
Zobair Ahmed, another victim on July 20, was the son of Anwar Uddin from East Kaurat village. He was the eighth among his siblings. His mother, Noorjahan Begum, said, “I have lodged a complaint with the Prime Minister’s office regarding my child’s murder. I will accept whatever decision the Prime Minister makes. I don’t know whom to file a complaint against at the police station as I was not there.”
Zobair’s father, retired teacher Anwar Uddin, explained that after failing in one subject of the 2023 HSC exams, Zobair started a business and ran a mobile shop in Shambhuganj, Mymensingh. He had married a year ago. He was supposed to check his shop and return home but was killed on the way. After bringing Zobair’s body home, they found a wound on his left chest. He does not know who shot him and seeks justice from the Prime Minister.
Zobair’s younger brother, Mohammad Kausar, mentioned that Zobair was traveling to Shambhuganj through Koltapara and was caught in the clash between protesters and police at Koltapara market.
No Autopsies, Police Claim Criminals Fired the Shots
No formal cases have been filed by the families of Bipul Hasan, Nure Alam Siddiqui, and Zobair Ahmed. On July 22, Gauripur Police Sub-Inspector (SI) Mohammad Shafiqul Alam filed a case at the police station against four to five unidentified individuals for murder. The complaint alleges that “four to five armed criminals shot and killed the three youths as part of a premeditated conspiracy.”
The families have reported that no post-mortem examinations or formal documentation of the deaths have been conducted.
Fear of Arrest in the Area
On July 21, Gauripur Police Sub-Inspector (SI) Mohammad Anik Islam filed a case under the Special Powers Act, naming MA Kayum, Chairman of Douhakhla Union Parishad, as an accused. Kayum is said to be linked to the politics of Awami League MP Nilufar Anjum. The primary accused in the case is BNP leader and former Upazila Chairman Ahmad Tayebur Rahman. The police have reported the arrest of five individuals, including the primary accused. Regarding the inclusion of the Union Parishad Chairman, Officer-in-Charge (OC) Hasan Al Mamun stated, “The case has been filed. An investigation will be conducted, and appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings. I was not present at the time of the incident.”
Following the case, men in Koltapara are avoiding staying at home due to the fear of arrest. On the previous day, many shops in Koltapara market were closed, reportedly due to fear of police harassment. Local residents, speaking anonymously, mentioned that protests erupted after the shootings. Now, the area is gripped by fear of further arrests.
A woman named Laily Begum commented, “Everyone in the area is living in fear. Even when we sleep at night, we stay alert, fearing that our sons or relatives might be taken away at any time.”
