Abu Sayed Quota Protest Martyr | ‘Waiting to see the Bangladesh my son died for’ | Bangladesh July Uprising Anniversary 2025

As the nation observed the first anniversary of the July uprising yesterday, the family of slain student Abu Sayed remained cloaked in quiet resilience — still grieving, yet hopeful that his ultimate sacrifice will not go in vain.

His mother Manwara Begum and father Mokbul Hossain stood motionless beside their son’s grave in Rangpur’s Pirganj with their eyes brimming with tears.

“I’m waiting to see that Bangladesh my son sacrificed his life for — a country where fascism never rises again, and there is no longer discrimination, violence or bloodshed,” Manwara said.

“There’s an ache in our hearts that words can’t describe. We carry this grief in silence,” she said.

The killing of protester Sayed in police firing during the quota reform protests on July 16 last year fuelled the anti-discrimination student movement. It ultimately turned into a mass uprising and led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime on August 5.

“My son’s sacrifice brought a new kind of independence to Bangladesh,” Manwara said.

“I want that no other mother has to lose her child like I did. If I can die seeing that Bangladesh he dreamt of, it will bring me peace.”

She said people frequently visit their home to learn about her son’s bravery.

“Morning turns to evening, and visitors still come. But in the crowd, I feel a terrible emptiness. I live every moment with this grief. Who can fill this void?” she asked.

Sayed’s father  Mokbul said, “The sacrifices of many like my son freed the country from the clutches of an autocratic regime.”

Demanding that those responsible for his son’s death must be brought to justice. “I want the execution of the police officer who shot my son and all others involved in his killing.”