Shaheed Pavel Ahmad Quamrul. Photo : Collected

SYLHET, June 03, 2025 (BSS) – Pavel Ahmad Quamrul, a 24-year-old Qawmi madrasah student, was fatally shot on August 5 in 2024 when he joined the victory procession in the city following the downfall of the nearly 16-year-long fascist regime in face of the massive student-people uprising.

Pavel’s story is one of a dream cut short and a family torn apart. Pavel was fourth among five children of Md Rafiq Uddin and Mst Dilara Begum, permanent residents of Kanishail village in Golapganj Upazila of the district. Once a small business owner, Rafiq now cultivates seasonal vegetables, for which the region is known.

According to his family members, thousands of people thronged the city streets hearing the news of the fall of the fascism and started celebrating the ouster of the autocracy. Pavel also joined the celebration with thousands others. Around 3 pm, Pavel along with his fellow protesters reached Chandnighat, a historic riverfront location marked by Ali Amjad's clock tower and Kin Bridge over the Surma River, with the victory procession.

As the procession approached the clock tower, police opened fire on the crowd. A bullet struck Pavel in the chest. He collapsed on the boundary wall of the tower. Local businessman Rashed was also hit by a bullet in his leg. At that time Sebul, also a businessman, and others rescued Pavel and took him to Osmani Medical College Hospital.

By the time Pavel’s maternal uncles arrived at the hospital, Pavel was no more.

Pavel had memorized 28 chapters (paras) of the Holy Quran from Darul Ulum Hossainia Madrasa in Golapganj. Later, he studied Qira'at at Anjuman-e-Talimul Quran in Sylhet’s Gotatikar area.

Prior to his martyrdom, he was preparing to get admission into a prestigious Qawmi madrasah named Kazir Bazar Jameya in Sylhet city, staying at his maternal uncle’s house in the city. Pavel was also doing a part time job at a grocery shop at the Kazir Bazar to support himself.

Recalling the tragic memory, Pavel’s elder brother Piplu Ahmad said, “We joined the victory procession at Choumuhona in Golapganj when we got the news that Pavel was hit by a bullet. But minutes later, we came to know that the bullet pierced his chest.”

Pavel’s father, Rafiq Uddin, who suffered a stroke five years ago, saw his son’s face just once after the body was brought home. Overwhelmed with the grief, Rafiq couldn’t bear the pain to have another glimpse of his son.

Pavel was laid to eternal rest beside the shrine of Garibullah Shah Tero Oli, a revered saint, atop a nearby hill.

Talking to BSS, Rafiq said many people stood by them with financial assistance, but he couldn’t find remedy to his pain of losing his son.

“They gave us money and helped us in many ways. I’m thankful for that. But even if someone gives me a crore taka, it couldn't heal the pain of losing my son,” Rafiq lamented.

When the BSS team visited his home and followed him up the hill to Pavel’s grave, he stood silently by the resting place, his hands raised for prayer and tears pouring down his face.

“All I want now is justice. I want capital punishment for those who killed my son. Only then my heart will find peace,” he demanded, saying that he filed a case in this regard.