Abrar Fahad: The Symbol of Student Power and Resistance

The brutal murder of Abrar Fahad, a promising second-year student at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), shocked the nation and ignited a wave of student protests that would resonate for years to come. His tragic death at the hands of political student groups in October 2019 not only highlighted the deep-seated issues of political violence and student repression in Bangladesh but also laid the groundwork for significant political movements, including the ongoing Bangladesh Quota Reform Movement of 2024.

This article delves into the life and death of Abrar Fahad, the national outrage it sparked, the historical context of student activism in Bangladesh, and how his death catalyzed a broader movement that would eventually influence the 2024 quota reform protests. The article also examines the controversial quota system in Bangladesh, its impact on public sector recruitment, and how the tragedy of Abrar Fahad became a symbol of student resistance against government oppression and inequality.

The Life and Legacy of Abrar Fahad

Early Life and Education

Abrar Fahad was born into a modest and supportive family on February 12, 1998, in Radhanagar, Kumarkhali, Kushtia, Bangladesh. His father, Barkat Ullah, worked as a banker at BRAC Bank, while his mother, Rokeya Khatun, was a homemaker. Abrar’s academic journey was marked by excellence and a commitment to his studies. After completing his Secondary School Certificate (SSC) from Kushtia Zilla School, he attended Notre Dame College in Dhaka and earned his Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC).

His academic success led him to the prestigious Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), where he enrolled in the Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) department. Although his mother had hoped he would pursue a career in medicine, Abrar’s passion for engineering led him to BUET, one of the most competitive institutions in the country.

At BUET, Abrar quickly made a name for himself for his academic prowess and his involvement in extracurricular activities. He was an active member of the BUET Energy Club and was known for his keen interest in social and political issues. It was his outspoken views on various social justice matters, particularly his criticism of government policies, that would later play a significant role in the tragic events that unfolded.

The Circumstances of His Death

On the night of October 6, 2019, Abrar Fahad was brutally murdered in Room 2011 of Sher-e-Bangla Hall at BUET. He had returned to the dormitory after a brief break, intending to focus on his studies ahead of upcoming exams. According to reports, the violence against Abrar was premeditated, with Chhatra League members (the student wing of the ruling Awami League) planning to assault him because of his Facebook posts criticizing the government.

Fahad had publicly expressed his dissent regarding the signing of bilateral agreements between Bangladesh and India, including issues related to water sharing and the Mongla Port. His posts were seen as controversial, and his alleged association with political opponents of the ruling party led to the accusation that he was a member of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing, Shibir. This label, though unsubstantiated, was used as a justification for the brutal attack on him.

The assault was harrowing. Abrar was severely beaten with cricket stumps, slapped repeatedly, and tortured for hours by multiple individuals. Despite his deteriorating condition, his attackers showed no mercy. Abrar was moved to different rooms within the dormitory, his body showing clear signs of trauma. He was later found dead in the early hours of October 7. His death was confirmed by medical personnel at the scene.

The chilling nature of his murder, coupled with the political motivations behind it, ignited outrage across the country. The details of his assault revealed through confessions from the perpetrators, painted a horrifying picture of the level of violence that political student groups had been using to suppress dissent and maintain control over campuses.

The Student Protests and National Outrage

Protests Erupt Across the Nation

In the wake of Abrar Fahad’s death, protests erupted across Bangladesh, with students from universities in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, and beyond joining forces to demand justice. Thousands of students took to the streets, organizing sit-ins, human chains, and processions. The protests were not just about seeking justice for Abrar but also a broader condemnation of the political violence that had become pervasive on university campuses.

Students from the University of Dhaka, Jahangirnagar University, Khulna University, and others held protests, blocking roads, staging rallies, and calling for the arrest and punishment of those responsible for Abrar’s murder. They also demanded an end to political student organizations' dominance over campuses, which had long been associated with bullying, harassment, and violence.

In addition to student protests, celebrities, academics, and citizens across Bangladesh voiced their support for Abrar’s family and expressed solidarity with the student movement. The hashtag #JusticeForAbrar trended on social media, with people from all walks of life demanding accountability for the brutal crime. The national outcry ultimately led to the arrest of 25 individuals, most of whom were associated with the ruling political party's student wing.

The Role of Student Activism in Bangladesh

Student activism in Bangladesh has a long and storied history. From the language movement in the 1950s to the Liberation War in 1971, students have played a central role in shaping the nation’s political landscape. Over the years, however, student activism has been increasingly stifled by political violence, repression, and the involvement of political parties in university affairs.

The murder of Abrar Fahad reignited the flame of student activism, particularly in the context of university autonomy and political freedom. Students once again became a force to be reckoned with, challenging not only political violence but also the broader issues of governmental control over education and free speech.

The Bangladesh Quota Reform Movement and Its Connection to Abrar’s Death

Background of the Quota System in Bangladesh

The quota system in Bangladesh has been a contentious issue for decades, particularly in the context of public-sector recruitment. Initially introduced to promote social justice and provide opportunities to historically marginalized groups such as ethnic minorities, women, and disadvantaged rural populations, the quota system has long been criticized for its lack of transparency, inefficiency, and perceived misuse.

Over the years, the quota system has been expanded to include various categories, with a significant portion of public sector jobs reserved for candidates from certain quotas. This system, while aimed at promoting fairness, has been criticized for perpetuating inequality, creating inefficiencies in public administration, and denying qualified candidates access to jobs based on merit.

The 2018 Quota Reform Movement

The 2018 Quota Reform Movement was a turning point in the history of student activism in Bangladesh. Sparked by a series of protests by students demanding a reduction in the number of quota positions in public sector recruitment, the movement grew into a nationwide demand for the reform or abolition of the system. Students argued that the quota system, originally designed to promote equality, had instead become a tool of political patronage, with politicians manipulating the system for their gain.

The movement was met with violent repression, with police using tear gas and batons to disperse student demonstrators. The government promised to address the issue, but little concrete action was taken.

The 2024 Bangladesh Quota Reform Movement

The tragic death of Abrar Fahad in 2019 was a catalyst for a broader wave of student activism that would culminate in the 2024 Quota Reform Movement. By this time, many students were not only frustrated with the quota system but also with the broader political system that allowed corruption and political manipulation to thrive.

The 2024 movement, which saw students once again take to the streets to demand reforms to the quota system, was heavily influenced by the legacy of Abrar Fahad’s death. Students framed the fight for quota reform as part of a broader struggle for democracy, free speech, and an end to political violence and corruption. The protests once again highlighted the deep connection between student activism, political repression, and the demand for a more equitable and transparent public sector.

The Ongoing Struggle for Reform

As the 2024 Bangladesh Quota Reform Movement continues to gain momentum, it is clear that the fight for justice for Abrar Fahad and the demand for political reform are inextricably linked. The movement is not just about quotas; it is about restoring the values of democracy, freedom, and fairness to the heart of Bangladeshi politics and society.

In the Last

The tragic death of Abrar Fahad marked a pivotal moment in the history of student activism in Bangladesh. His murder not only exposed the violence and political manipulation that had long been present on university campuses but also galvanized a new generation of students to stand up for justice and demand political reform.

The ongoing 2024 Bangladesh Quota Reform Movement, with its roots in the 2018 protests and catalyzed by the injustice of Abrar Fahad’s death, represents the continuing struggle for equality, transparency, and a more democratic society. As students continue to raise their voices, the legacy of Abrar Fahad will live on, as a symbol of resilience and the power of collective action in the face of political oppression.

References

Abrar Fahad's Brother Faiyaz Decides to Get Admitted to BUET

• Source: Daily Sun
• Link: Abrar Fahad's brother Faiyaz decides to get admitted to BUET

2. Murdered Abrar Fahad's Brother Faiyaz Passes BUET Admission Test
   • Source: Prothom Alo
   • Link: Murdered Abrar Fahad's brother Faiyaz passes BUET admission test

3. 'Room Number 2011' Brings Abrar Fahad's Tragic Story to Screen
   • Source: The Daily Star
   • Link: Room Number 2011 brings Abrar Fahad's tragic story

4. In Memory of Abrar Fahad: 'Room Number 2011' Launched
   • Source: The Daily Ittefaq
   • Link: In Memory of Abrar: 'Room Number 2011' Launched

5. How Abrar Fahad's Murder Laid the Seeds of the July Uprising
   • Source: The Business Standard
   • Link: How Abrar Fahad's murder laid the seeds of the July uprising

6. Abrar Fahad: A Hero in the July Revolution
   • Source: Jagonews24
   • Link: Abrar Fahad: A Hero in the July Revolution

7. Student Organizations Mark the Fifth Anniversary of Abrar Fahad's Death
   • Source: The Daily Observer
   • Link: Student organizations mark fifth anniversary of Abrar Fahad's death

8. 'Memorial Plaque' for Abrar Fahad Inaugurated at BUET
   • Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)
   • Link: Memorial Plaque for Abrar Fahad inaugurated at BUET

9. Call for October 7 to Be Declared National Anti-Aggression Day
   • Source: Dhaka Post
   • Link: Call for October 7 to be National Anti-Aggression Day

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