Lance Corporal (Retd) Mahbubur Rashid, a former personal bodyguard to the then opposition leader and current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, lost his life in the tragic grenade attack on August 21, 2004.
Mahbub's courageous act of shielding the prime minister at the risk of his own life remains etched in memory. However, the pain of his loss continues to haunt his elderly parents. They hold onto a single hope in their twilight years – to witness the trial and punishment of the attackers.
Born in 1968, Mahbubur Rashid was the second son of Harun Or Rashid, a bidi (tobacco-based product) maker, from Fulbari village in Jayantihajra union of Khoksa upazila in Kushtia. Mahbub's journey from the local Phulbari Primary School to becoming a personal driver for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is a testament to his determination.
During a visit to Mahbub's family home, one finds his mother Hasina Begum, 70, lying on the floor of their home, while his father Harun Or Rashid, 84, sits beside a photograph of his departed son on the balcony. The weight of age has taken a toll on their bodies, laden with various illnesses.
Mahbubur Rashid was the eldest of ten children born to this elderly couple. Tragically, their first-born had passed away within two years of birth. Therefore, Mahbub became the eldest child and the one who fell victim to a grenade attack in Dhaka on August 21, 2004. The memories of their lost son remain vivid in the eyes of this aging couple.
Harun or Rashid, Mahbub's father, expressed his wish for the execution of the murderers before his own demise. He shared: “The murderers have remained unpunished for so long. I suffer from asthma and shortness of breath. My monthly medicines cost around Tk15-16,000. I wish to witness the killers being punished before my time comes. If not, I believe Allah will deliver their judgment. I have left their fate in God's hands.”
Mahbub was the sole breadwinner for the family. Despite their constant mourning, Harun considers his son's sacrifice as martyrdom for protecting Sheikh Hasina.
Hasina Begum, struggling with her own health issues, expressed her physical challenges and the increasing pain she feels, particularly in August, due to her son's tragic loss.
While local Awami League leaders and activists don't frequently inquire about them, the prime minister remains in regular contact, expressing her concern for the family.
Like every year, on the anniversary of their son's death, Hasina Begum arranged a milad-mahfil (prayer gathering) at home. With monthly financial assistance from welfare funds and support from one of their daughters, the family manages to get by.
Additionally, they have saved some money from selling cow's milk to commemorate their son's death anniversary. Living in a modest village home, they eagerly await the news of their son's attackers facing justice.
In the run-up to August 21 each year, journalists visit their home, yet their son remains absent. Despite this, Mahbub's parents continue to hold onto the hope that they will witness the execution of their son's killers, eagerly awaiting the news they long for.
