The legacy of Mugdho: A bright light extinguished too soon
At Khulna University, the name “Mir Mahfuzur Rahman 'Mugdho'" evokes more than just memories; it symbolises a life full of promise and a heart committed to justice.
A former student of the Mathematics Discipline, Mugdho became a part of Bangladesh's history when he was martyred during the student-led uprising that ultimately led to the ousting of the Awami League government.
KU teachers, with heavy hearts, recount the days when Mugdho enchanted the entire campus with his infectious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication. He wasn’t just another student; he was a force of nature, inspiring those around him to strive for both academic excellence and moral integrity.
On July 18, 2023, Mugdho, only 25, paid the ultimate price for his convictions. He was distributing water to students protesting at Azampur in Dhaka's Uttara area when police opened fire. A bullet struck his forehead and exited through his right ear, ending his life in an instant.
"He was excellent in analytical ability, which helped him achieve outstanding results in Mathematics," recalls Professor Md Azmol Huda, head of KU’s Mathematics Discipline under the School of Science, Engineering, and Technology.
"He was an extraordinary student, no doubt. In his freelancing career, he completed around 1,000 orders on Fiverr, maintaining a 5-star rating."
Mugdho, a graduate of KU's 19th batch of Mathematics, was known for his leadership qualities and his ability to bring out the best in others. Prof. Huda fondly remembers asking the students to elect two coordinators during an early tour with the 19th batch. "It was no surprise that Mugdho, one of the teachers' favorites, was chosen. He had a natural ability to lead and a heart that genuinely cared for others," Huda added, his voice tinged with sorrow.
Professor Dr Munnujahan Ara of the same department shared similar sentiments. "All the teachers loved Mugdho’s smiling face—it was a symbol of innocence," she said. "Even when I scolded him for not completing an assignment, that smile would immediately soften my anger. Strangely enough, the next day, he'd always turn in the assignment with that same smile."
As she spoke, tears rolled down her cheeks, revealing the depth of the loss felt by those who knew Mugdho. "He was a brilliant debater and loved playing the guitar. He performed at many departmental events, filling the air with his music and his spirit."
Munnujahan also recounted his passion for motorbiking. "He wanted to travel all over Bangladesh on his bike, to see how people were living in the villages and remote areas. He had a genuine concern for the suffering of others."
The tragic news of his death devastated the KU community. "We all burst into tears when we learned that Mugdho was shot while offering water to protesters in Dhaka," she said. "He was there, in the thick of it, helping those fighting for a just cause."
After completing his graduation from KU, Mugdho enrolled at Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) to pursue an MBA. "His classmates will return to the classrooms of BUP, but he won't be there," Prof Munnujahan lamented, the weight of loss palpable in her voice.
Mugdho’s elder brother, Mir Mahmudur Rahman Deepto, confirmed that his brother was already gone when his friends brought him to Crescent Hospital. "He always stood against injustice and corruption, from a very young age," Deepto said. "He was a unit leader in the Armed Police Battalion Scout Group and had received the 'National Service Award' from Bangladesh Scouts for his role in rescuing and evacuating people during the Banani Fire in 2019."
As the KU community mourns, they also remember a young man who embodied the best of their values—a bright light that shone briefly but left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. Mugdho may no longer be physically present, but his spirit lives on in the memories of those he touched, and in the ideals he so passionately defended.
Source: BSS
