Lalmonirhat, Bangladesh – The recent violent clashes during the quota reform protests in Dhaka have resulted in the tragic deaths of several individuals from Lalmonirhat, a district now mourning the loss of their loved ones.
Among the victims is 18-year-old Mohammad Arif, the only son of a poor family. Arif was a promising young man with aspirations of supporting his aging parents. His father, Mohammad Yusuf, a day laborer, recounts the immense pain and loss they have endured.
Arif, who was previously engaged in his studies at a local madrasa, had moved to Dhaka two years ago due to financial constraints. He worked at a hotel in the Jatrabari area, sending home most of his salary to support his family. On July 19, while shopping for the hotel amidst the protest clashes, Arif was tragically struck by a stray bullet, which fatally injured him. Yusuf, devastated by the news, struggled to come to terms with the loss.
Yusuf shared, “My son was a good boy, focused only on his studies and work. He was our hope for the future. His loss is not just a personal tragedy but a crushing blow to our entire family. We had pinned all our hopes on him, and now we are left with nothing. We ask the government for assistance to help us through this dark time.”
In addition to Arif, six other residents from Lalmonirhat lost their lives in the same clashes. Among them was 35-year-old Mohammad Akhtar Hossain from the Kalma Union, who was an auto-rickshaw driver. Akhtar was also killed by gunfire during the unrest, leaving behind his wife and children. His father, Mohammad Bozlur Rahman, expressed deep concern for his grandchildren’s future and has appealed for government aid.
Other victims included:
- Mosleh Uddin (40), an imam from a mosque in Rampura, who was killed during the protests in Dhaka. His family, from the Panga Shia area, is mourning the loss.
- Mohammad Habib (40), a private car driver from Shonir Akhra, whose family struggled to bring his body back to their village and had to bury him in Dhaka.
- Hafez Mohammad Shahabuddin (35), another imam, from the Jatrabari area.
- Shakil (20) and Mohammad Saidul (12), both of whom worked in hotels and were also victims of the violence.
Lalmonirhat police officer, O/C SM Mahbubul Alam, confirmed the deaths and stated that data on the victims has been collected, though no official decisions or actions have yet been taken regarding support or compensation.
The tragic loss of these individuals has left their families in deep grief and financial distress, highlighting the severe impact of the recent protests on ordinary lives. The community is now calling for urgent support and justice for the victims and their families.
