Concerns Over the Future of Dulal’s Children
Dulal Mahmood, aged 38, came from a background of poverty and managed to overcome these challenges to achieve a postgraduate degree. Employed as an Assistant Manager at Standard Chartered Bank in Dhaka, he enjoyed a stable life with his wife, two young children, and elderly parents. His aspirations included securing a prosperous future for his family. However, on July 18, Dulal was caught in the crossfire during a quota reform protest in Azimpur, Dhaka, and sustained fatal gunshot wounds. He succumbed to his injuries the following day.
Dulal was the son of Siddiq Khalasi and Zulekha Begum from Char Khagutia village, located in the Barakanandi Union of Jajira Upazila, Shariatpur. The family is struggling to cope with his untimely death. His elderly parents are particularly concerned about the future of his two young children and the implications for their lives.
According to local sources and family members, Siddiq Khalasi and Zulekha Begum had seven children, including Dulal. Due to Siddiq Khalasi’s long-term illness, the other children were unable to pursue formal education and were required to focus on agricultural work from a young age. Despite these obstacles, Dulal managed to continue his education while working in agriculture. He is survived by two children: Adiyat, aged seven, and Arisha, aged three and a half. Dulal resided in Azimpur, Dhaka, with his wife, children, and parents.
On July 18, after completing his work at the bank, Dulal was heading home from Karwan Bazar when he was caught in a violent confrontation between two factions near Azimpur Colony. He was shot and fell to the ground. Dulal passed away at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on the morning of July 19.
Char Khagutia village is situated 20 kilometers from the district town of Shariatpur, along the Kazi Haat-Mangalmaji and Sattar Mollah’s Ghat Road. Dulal’s residence is located 300 meters east of the paved road, by a canal. During the rainy season, access to their home is typically via boat. On Saturday afternoon, it was observed that Dulal had purchased a parcel of land adjacent to his ancestral home to build a new house. He was interred on this land. In the family’s old residence, Dulal’s ailing father, Siddiq Khalasi, rests while his mother, Zulekha Begum, prays for her deceased son and wipes her tears.
Upon learning of the journalist’s presence, Zulekha Begum broke down in tears. As she wept, she expressed her anguish: “We have no recourse. Among our seven children, Dulal was the only one with an education. He took on the responsibility of supporting the family. Why did he have to die so young? Who will provide justice for his death?” Dulal’s body was returned to the village for burial on July 21. His wife and children accompanied the body and later returned to Dhaka after a brief stay in the village.
When contacted, Dulal’s wife, Farzana Akter, became emotional upon realizing the nature of the call. She questioned why their once-happy family had been subjected to such tragedy and who would ensure the future and security of her children. Idris Ali, the Assistant Headmaster of East Naudoba Public High School in Jajira, remarked to Prothom Alo, “Dulal was a remarkably bright and respectable individual. He juggled various jobs, including driving a van and working in agriculture, while pursuing his studies. His death is a profound loss, and his family is now left in a state of helplessness.”
