July Uprising
Two years on, tears still flow for martyred Hridoy’s family
Shah Alam Hawlader stands silently beside his son’s grave for a long time every day. Photo: Agamir Somoy
Hridoy Ahmed Shihab (17), of Shibchar Upazila in Madaripur, was among those killed during the July and August mass uprising in 2024.
Two years have passed since the death of the teenager, who was the sole breadwinner of his family. Yet his family continues to struggle with grief, uncertainty and financial hardship.
The family is demanding justice for his killing and permanent rehabilitation.
Hridoy was the only son of Shah Alam Hawlader and Nasima Begum of Azgar Hawladerkandi village under Sannyasirchar Union in Shibchar Upazila. He is survived by a younger sister.
According to family members, about eight years ago Shah Alam Hawlader lost the ability to do heavy work after being injured in a motorcycle accident. Hridoy left school after completing eighth grade and took responsibility for supporting the family. He started working at his cousin’s furniture shop in Dhaka. Since then, he covered his own expenses and regularly sent money home to his parents. The family depended entirely on his income.
The family said that on July 19, 2024, after Friday prayers, Hridoy had lunch at a relative’s house and was returning to his workplace. On the way, he became caught in the unrest near Badda Link Road in the capital. Amid tear gas, a bullet struck him. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition, where doctors declared him dead.
Overcome with emotion while speaking about her son, his mother, Nasima Begum, said, “I spoke with my son for the last time on the night of July 18. Hridoy told me he would come home on Friday morning. I only told him to stay safe.” She added, “My son’s last words were, ‘Mother, don’t worry.’ Those were the last words my son ever spoke to me.”
She also said, “In the afternoon, I received the news that he had been shot. That night, I learned that my son was no longer alive. I still watch his videos on my phone. It feels like he is about to call out, ‘Mother.’”
Hridoy had dreamed of going to Italy for work to lift his family out of poverty. He often told his mother about his plans to build a new house and repay the family’s debts. But that dream was never fulfilled.
His father, Shah Alam Hawlader, also broke down in tears while remembering his son. He said, “What crime had my son committed? The pain of carrying my own son’s body on my shoulders cannot be expressed in words. I ask everyone to pray for my son.”
A visit to the family home found Shah Alam and Nasima living in a small tin roofed house. They own no land other than their homestead. Nasima Begum earns a small income through sewing. The family is also surviving on the interest from a fixed deposit of Tk 500,000 provided by the July Memorial Foundation.
Hridoy’s younger sister, Sathi Akter, said, “Many people promised to help us, but in reality we have received very little support. Our family has no regular source of income.”
Hridoy’s uncle, Sahabuddin Hawlader, said Hridoy had been the only earning member of his elder brother’s family. Since his death, the family has become completely destitute.
Shibchar Upazila Nirbahi Officer H M Ibne Mizan told Agamir Somoy that the administration remains in regular contact with Hridoy’s family. Government assistance has already been delivered to them. At the family’s request, Hridoy’s grave has been preserved and a nameplate has been installed. He said the family would receive further assistance if additional government support becomes available.
