Yasin’s mother hapless losing her son

Yasin Sheikh, a 17-year-old delivery man working for an LP Gas shop in the Shantibag area in Dhaka died after fighting for his life for five days as he sustained bullet injuries during the violence surrounding the quota movement at Jatrabari on 21 July.

Recounting that fateful day, Yasin's mother said, "I got a call from an unknown number saying that my son was shot. Yasin was hit by three bullets in his chest and was lying on the street."

"After hearing the news, I rushed to the spot and found Yasin lying on the ground, riddled with bullets. I borrowed some money from a neighbor and admitted him to Mugda Medical College Hospital for treatment.

 Yasin succumbed to his injuries on 25 July, after fighting for his life for five days.

When asked whether she has filed a case with any police station, Monzila Begum said, "What will happen if I file a case with the thana? Will I get my child back? We are very poor people. My son was not involved with any political party. But he supported the anti-discrimination student movement.

Martyr Yasin Sheikh's mother, Monzila Begum in a grief-stricken voice asks this correspondent, "Whom shall I live with now? How will we maintain our livelihood?"

Yasin's story follows a life full of struggles. He had lost his father when he was just two-year-old. He lived in the Jatrabari area with his mother Monzila Begum and two small sisters.

Due to the financial crisis that followed his father's death, he could not continue his studies after completing primary school. His mother, Monjila Begum supported him by working in a paper mill.

Few years ago, Yasin along with his mother and sisters moved to Dhaka. They live in a small rented house in Jatrabari area.

Yasin was the only means of survival for his mother, who lost her husband at an early age. Yasin was an ill-paid sales and delivery man who was the only breadwinner for his family.

Yasin's mother said, "Yasin was buried on 26 July in the graveyard of his ancestral village in Rupsha upazila of Khulna with the help of the villagers. The villagers were very helpful as they raised a small fund to carry out an autopsy at the hospital."   

Talking to BSS, Nurjahan, the elder sister of the deceased Yasin said, "My brother was shot three times in the chest. The doctors managed to take out two bullets from the body. However, as his condition deteriorated the doctor could not perform another operation on him. As his death was confirmed, the bullet remained in his chest."

Nurjahan said, "Yasin was the only brother of our three sisters. As soon as I heard about the police firing targeting students and mass people I called Yasin to remain careful. Later, I heard that my brother was shot in the chest by policemen. My mother is still reeling from the shock and we don't know how we will lead our life.  We are passing our days in big hardship."

Nurjahan, on behalf of her mother, sought financial support from the wealthy people of the society to overcome the current financial hardship and lead a decent life.