The home of Abu Sayeed, a prominent coordinator of the ongoing quota reform movement at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, has been enveloped in grief since his death on Tuesday in a clash between student protesters and police.
His village, Babna Para in Modankhali union of Pirgonj upazila, Rangpur, is filled with mourning as relatives express their sorrow.
"They have killed my brother," Sayeed’s sister Sumi's heart-wrenching cries, echo through the air. “Our hopes and dreams have been shattered,” she says while sobbing.
Violent clashes at Rokeya University leave student dead, dozens injuredRelatives learned of Sayeed’s death from television reports on Tuesday afternoon, recognizing him from the news images. The news quickly spread throughout the village and the upazila, prompting a wave of grief.
Sayeed’s parents, Mokbul Hossain and Monowara Begum, are in deep shock, often fainting from their sorrow, according to Sumi.
Her cousin Marufa Begum said the family had high hopes for Sayeed, expecting him to support them after completing his education and securing a job.
Marufa added that financial difficulties had always plagued the family, making education a significant challenge for Sayeed, who had managed to continue his studies by offering private tuition.
Why protest when it doesn’t make a difference?Mokbul said he had been unable to educate his other eight children due to poverty. “[But] Sayeed was exceptionally brilliant.”
Sayeed achieved a GPA of 5 in both SSC and HSC exams. He then enrolled in the English department at Begum Rokeya University, where he was known as a highly meritorious student in the 12th batch, according to his classmates.
From the beginning of the quota reform movement, Abu Sayeed was at the forefront, always leading rallies with a national flag in hand. His bravery earned him a pivotal role as a leader and coordinator of the movement.
6 killed as police, Chhatra League fight protestersOn Tuesday, protesters marched 5 kilometres through the city to Begum Rokeya University, with Sayeed joining them.
Clashes erupted with quota supporters, and police fired rounds of rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
Despite the chaos, Sayeed stood firm, refusing to budge.
At one point, he was shot in the chest and fell to the ground. He was immediately taken to Rangpur Medical College Hospital, where the attending physician declared him dead.
