Mohammadpur remembers its July martyrs as families await justice

Mohammadpur witnessed some of the deadliest violence during the July uprising, where security forces launched a fierce crackdown on student-led protesters, leaving at least 43 people dead, according to local accounts.
Two years on, families of the victims say the memories remain as painful as ever. While grief continues to shape their lives, many still hope the sacrifices made during the movement will help build a more just and democratic Bangladesh.
Among those killed was Sirajul Islam Arnab, 24, the only son of Abu Taleb and Shahida Begum. Described by his mother as a soft-spoken young man, Arnab had taken on the responsibility of supporting his family after completing his Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC).
Shahida recalled that Arnab had left their home at Metro Housing in Mohammadpur in the early afternoon before heading towards the main road. She alleged that he was fatally shot by Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel.
She said she lost contact with her son later that afternoon and only learned something had happened while offering Zohr prayers. According to her, the bullet entered through Arnab's chest and exited through his back, causing fatal injuries.
Arnab was not the only victim that day. Abu Sayed, a betel-leaf seller from Basila, was also killed. His family alleged that he was shot by RAB while taking shelter in the Lautola area. Relatives initially believed he had only been injured, but were devastated to discover he had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
Residents also identified Rakib Hasan, Farhan Fayaz and Mahmudur Rahman Shaikat among those killed during the violence.
Mahedi Azwad Rupu, 23, a student of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), recalled witnessing a man being struck by splinter bullets near the Mohammadpur bus stand.
Rupu said he left his home around 7pm after hearing reports that police had opened fire on students and bystanders in the area.
When he reached the bus stand, he found police guarding the intersection while students and local residents, positioned at different points, occasionally threw bricks towards them.
The situation escalated abruptly, he said, when around 30 police officers wearing bulletproof vests and carrying shields advanced towards the crowd with firearms raised. As people began to flee, police fired tear gas, quickly filling the area with smoke.
Amid the chaos, Rupu said he heard repeated gunfire and saw a young man running beside him collapse after being shot in the head. He said he helped the injured youth to his feet before the two fled together, with the victim leaning on his shoulder for support.
They eventually took shelter in a nearby alley along with several others, where Rupu noticed the young man had suffered splinter-bullet injuries to his right shoulder and above his right eye.
According to Rupu, a resident called out from a nearby building to ask whether anyone needed assistance. Moments later, the man returned with his wife carrying medical supplies and introduced himself as a doctor before treating the injured youth.
Rupu said the experience left him deeply moved by the solidarity shown by ordinary people. "I witnessed extraordinary generosity and compassion that day. People came out of nearby buildings to help us, and even children brought cotton and antiseptic to treat the injured. We were united by one purpose – to look after one another," he recalled.
Residents described the crackdown as one of the most intense episodes of the July Uprising, saying repeated volleys of tear gas and gunfire continued for several hours. One resident said a man standing beside him was killed after being shot in the chest, while he himself also sustained a bullet wound.
Residents of Mohammadpur said they hoped the memory of those who lost their lives during the July Uprising would continue to inspire unity and strengthen the country's pursuit of a society free from discrimination and corruption.