On July 18, 25-year-old university student Mir Mahfuzur Rahman, known as Mugdho, was shot and killed during protests in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Mugdho had been actively distributing water to demonstrators when a bullet struck him in the forehead, leading to his death shortly after. His final moments, captured in a video showing him wiping tear gas from his eyes, went viral and galvanized further protests across the country.
The protests, which initially started as peaceful demonstrations against a government job quota system, escalated into a broader movement demanding the resignation of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The unrest led to a violent crackdown, resulting in at least 300 fatalities, according to local media reports. Amidst the chaos, Hasina fled to India, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus returned to Dhaka to form a temporary government and oversee upcoming elections.
Mugdho’s twin brother, Snigdho, along with their older brother Dipto, are now grappling with the loss. The twins had shared a close bond, studying and planning for a future together in Italy. In their grief, they hold onto Mugdho’s university ID card, a symbol of his sacrifice. Snigdho reflects on his brother’s impact, noting that Mugdho’s actions inspired many to join the protest movement.
The death of Mugdho followed the killing of another protester, Abu Sayed, on July 16. Amnesty International condemned the police for allegedly using unlawful force against Sayed. These events turned the student-led protests into a nationwide call for justice, with widespread participation from people of all backgrounds.
Amid the violence, UNICEF reported that at least 32 children have died in the clashes. The family of 13-year-old Mubarak, a victim of the violence, is struggling to cope with their loss. Mubarak’s mother, Fareeda Begum, mourns her son’s death while cherishing his memories through his TikTok videos. Mubarak had been helping his parents with their livelihood when he was caught in the crossfire.
The protests have evolved from a student-driven movement into a broader fight for justice, reflecting widespread discontent and demands for change across Bangladesh.