Abu Saeed, who was shot by the police, wrote what he wrote before his death

Abu Saeed (22), a member of the Coordinating Committee of the Quota Reform Movement and a student at Begum Rokeya University (Berobi), was killed in a violent clash with police and Chhatra League members in Rangpur.

Incident Details

The fatal incident occurred around 2:30 pm on Tuesday. Saeed, a 12th batch student of Berobi’s English department, was part of a procession of quota reform activists who attempted to enter the university campus from the Lalbagh area of Rangpur city. They were met with resistance from police, leading to a clash. The police responded by firing rubber bullets, resulting in Saeed’s death.

Social Media Post Before Death

Just a day before his death, Abu Saeed posted a poignant message on Facebook, invoking the memory of Shaheed Shamsujjoha, a martyred teacher from Rajshahi University known for his role in the mass uprising. Saeed’s post read:

"Sir! Sir, I need you very much right now! All your contemporaries are dead, but you are immortal. Your tomb, our inspiration. We are manifested in your consciousness."

Saeed urged current teachers to stand up for just demands and support the students, saying:

"Those who are in the generation, you too will die someday according to the law of nature. But live with backbone as long as you live. Support the fair demands, take to the streets, stand as the shield of the students. You will get real respect and honor. Don't get lost in time immediately after death. Ajanm will survive as Shamsujjoha. It is much more joy, honor, and pride to die at least as a 'Shamsujjoha'."

Official Statements

Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Moniruzzaman commented on the clash, stating, "Students from various schools, colleges, and other educational institutions joined the quota agitating students. They clashed with the police. Many police personnel were injured. I heard that one died but I cannot say how he died."

Context and Background

The recent clashes are part of a broader movement demanding reforms to the government job quota system. The protests intensified following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's remarks on Sunday, where she questioned the opposition to the liberation war and implied that the quota system favored the descendants of Razakars (collaborators during the Liberation War). Her comments sparked outrage among students, who felt they were being unfairly labeled.

National Response

What began as protests at Dhaka University quickly spread across the capital and other regions, turning into a nationwide movement. The death of Abu Saeed marks a significant and tragic escalation in the ongoing conflict between the quota reform activists and authorities, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and resolution.

The country remains tense as students continue to demand justice and reforms, while authorities struggle to maintain order. The death of Abu Saeed is likely to further inflame passions and intensify the movement in the days to come.