Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mughdo, a master's student of Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), was seen on a video running amidst the violence centring quota reform movement just 15 minutes before he was shot dead on July 18 in Uttara.
He was shot and killed while distributing food, water and biscuits during the agitation.
Mughdo's death is remembered as an important event in the quota reform movement.
“Paani lagbe paani’ was the Mughdo’s last words as he was distributing water bottles to the protesters amid violent clashes on that day.
Mughdo's final words are now ringing in the ears of every citizen.
On Wednesday, the students were found offering free water to pedestrians while controlling traffic at different intersections in Dhaka.
One student approached the correspondent with the same words “Paani Lagbe Paani,” at the Dhanmondi 27 intersection.
A student named Rakib who is studying Marketing department at Tejgaon College said: “One of our brothers was killed while offering water to the protesters. We are offering water as a symbol of honouring him.”
He said people are thirsty amid heat, thus water will help them to stay hydrated.
Arif, a CSE graduate of Dhaka University said: “What Mughdo started, we are just continuing it. He passed the responsibility to us.”
Tahmina, a student of Mohanogor Nursing College said: “I believe there should be a water brand with Mugdho’s name to honour his legacy.” “This can be a way to remember him forever, passing it to the next generation.”
The students there also demanded that a percentage of the profit from the bottled water company be provided to Mughdo's family.
Mohammad Nayeem, an HSC student said: “The mass people provided the water cases and food to us as we are controlling the intersection from the morning.”
Nasima, a street girl, said: “I pray for the students that they can continue to rebuild the country like this. I pray for a beautiful Bangladesh,” she added.
Nasima urged the students to ensure a Bangladesh where people from all classes can live in harmony.
Not only on Wednesday, the correspondent was approached by the protesters with water while covering the Science Lab Protest on August 4, the Artists’ Protest on August 3, the Citizen’s sit-in on August 1, and several other times.