Gazipur, February 12, 2025 – The death of Abul Kashem, a 17-year-old student, has caused an outpouring of grief and anger in the local community of Gazipur, following an assault by individuals linked to the ruling Awami League party. Kashem, who had been critically injured during an attack on protesting students last week, succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Wednesday afternoon.

Abul Kashem, a resident of South Kolmeshwar in Gazipur, was the son of the late Jamal Hazi and had lost both of his parents at a young age. His father passed away five to seven years ago, while his mother had been missing for 15 years. With no immediate family left, Kashem had been living alone and was known for his active participation in student protests. He was also a student at a local pre-academy school.

On the night of February 7, Kashem was reportedly part of a protest against social inequality in the Dhirasram Southkhana area, where several student activists were ambushed and assaulted by individuals believed to be affiliated with the Awami League. Around 20 students were injured in the violent attack, with Kashem sustaining the most severe injuries. His relatives and friends shared that he had been in extreme pain before passing away, expressing deep sorrow and frustration over the lack of justice.

Kashem’s aunt, Suraiya Begum, spoke emotionally about her nephew’s last moments. “He was sitting in front of the house when I noticed him looking at me repeatedly before leaving. Later that evening, I heard he had been attacked and was hospitalized in critical condition,” she said. “He was an orphan, and I am now left crying alone. There is no one to share my grief. I demand justice for his death.”

Relatives and neighbors have come together to organize funeral preparations, as Kashem had no surviving immediate family to oversee his burial. Discussions are ongoing regarding where he will be laid to rest, with the community stepping in to support his final rites.

In the wake of his death, local residents are demanding that the responsible individuals, including those affiliated with the ruling party, be held accountable. “Abul Kashem was an innocent boy who never harmed anyone. His death must not go unpunished,” said a close family member, expressing the widespread sentiment in the area.

Kashem's cousin, Sajib Ahmed Shahin, also recounted the tragic events. “I was with him before the incident. On the night of his attack, he called me crying, telling me he had been severely beaten and needed help. I rushed to the hospital as soon as I received the news. He was in a lot of pain. But, after receiving emergency treatment, we lost him,” Shahin recalled, struggling to hold back tears.

The assault on Kashem and other student activists is part of a broader pattern of violence that has plagued recent protests against social inequality in Gazipur. On February 7, Awami League supporters allegedly attacked student protesters, injuring over 20 individuals. The incident occurred after students had gathered at the residence of former Liberation War Minister A. K. M. Mozammel Haque to voice their concerns over rising social disparities.

The attack sparked further outrage among students, leading to a formal complaint being filed the following day. Mohammad Abdullah Mohit, the convener of the anti-inequality movement in Gazipur, lodged a police report at the Gazipur Sadar Police Station, accusing 239 individuals by name and citing an additional 200 to 300 unidentified suspects. Amjad Hossain Molla, an alleged Awami League operative, is named as the primary suspect in the case.

In the aftermath of these violent incidents, local residents have united to demand justice for Abul Kashem and the other victims. Many are calling for a swift and thorough investigation into the events surrounding the attack, with pressure mounting on authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

As the community mourns the loss of a bright young student, the tragic death of Abul Kashem has reignited discussions about political violence and the treatment of student activists in Bangladesh. The case remains under investigation, with law enforcement promising to take action, though many are skeptical of any meaningful accountability. The tragic loss has also highlighted the broader issue of student safety and freedom of expression in the country.