Rahat Hossain Sharif. Photo : Collected

NARSINGDI, May 29, 2025 (BSS) - With a heart full of dreams, 16-year-old Rahat Hossain Sharif from Tongi enrolled in the humanities group at Nawab Habibullah Model School and College in Azampur, Uttara, on July 14. 

He dreamt of finishing his education and one day building a life in Germany after completing higher study.  

Just days into his academic journey, his dream was tragically cut short by a single bullet.

Rahat, the only son of Md. Selim Farazi from Bahechar village under Raipura Police Station in Narsingdi, was killed during a clash between students and police amid the anti-discrimination movement in Uttara’s House Building area.
 
He had gone out with friends on the afternoon of July 18, unaware it would be his last day. As tensions escalated between protestors and police, Rahat was caught in the conflict. A bullet struck him in the head, leaving him lying motionless on the street. 

He was rushed to Uttara Adhunik Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead at around 7:00 pm.

Rahat had recently passed his SSC examination from Tongi Shahid Smriti High School. His mother, Swapna Akter, described him as a kind, devout boy who prayed regularly and had never been involved in arguments or political activities. 

“He had a dream to study in Germany. He learned German through YouTube and we were doing everything we could to support him. But now... it’s all gone,” she said tearfully.

Rahat was laid to rest beside his grandfather in his ancestral village. His mother, who moved back to Narsingdi two months ago after his death, continues to struggle with unbearable grief.

 “In 20 years of marriage, he was our only child. I can’t forget him. I still hold his photo to my chest. Sometimes, I faint from crying,” she shared.

His father, who works in Saudi Arabia, is devastated. Due to strict leave policies, he has been unable to return home to mourn his son.

Despite financial hardship, Rahat’s parents had tried their best to provide him with a better future. “We didn’t have much, but we never let him feel that. He was our hope. That bullet didn’t just kill my son, it destroyed our family’s future,” Swapna said.

 “I want justice for Rahat … I want to know, what was his crime?”