A haunting addition to July Uprising Museum

In a poignant tribute, the rickshaw that carried the body of Shaheed Golam Nafiz, a young student who lost his life in the anti-discrimination movement, will soon be preserved as a memorial. 

This rickshaw will be housed at the July Uprising Memorial Museum at Ganabhaban, where it will stand as a powerful reminder of Nafiz’s sacrifice and the struggles of countless students.

The decision to preserve the rickshaw was announced by Nahid Islam, information and broadcasting adviser, after he personally saw the rickshaw at Ganabhaban on Thursday (November 7). 

During the handover ceremony, Adviser Nahid expressed deep gratitude to Noor Mohammad, the rickshaw puller who bravely transported Nafiz’s lifeless body, and assured him of financial assistance.

The search for the rickshaw began after an article was published in Prothom Alo on November 5, detailing how Noor Mohammad, also known as Nuru, had sold the rickshaw. 

Adviser Nahid promptly directed officials to locate both the rickshaw and its driver. Nuru revealed he had sold the rickshaw to Ahsanul Kabir Siddiqui Kaiser, a Bangladeshi residing in London, for Tk 35,000. When contacted, Kaiser agreed to return the rickshaw for preservation at the July Uprising Memorial Museum.

Following these arrangements, the rickshaw was officially handed over on Thursday to Mahfuj Alam, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser and Joint Convener of the July Uprising Memorial Museum.

The photograph, captured by Jibon Ahmed, remains an indelible reminder of Nafiz’s sacrifice, sparking nationwide grief and solidarity.

Nafiz, a student at Banani Bidyaniketan School and College, was shot during the anti-discrimination movement at Farmgate on August 4. 

Still gripping the rickshaw’s rod as he lay bleeding, Nafiz was rushed to the hospital by Noor Mohammad, but the young student could not be saved. 

The haunting image of Nafiz’s lifeless body shared widely on social media, moved millions and became a lasting symbol of the movement.

The photograph, captured by Jibon Ahmed, remains an indelible reminder of Nafiz’s sacrifice, sparking nationwide grief and solidarity. Now, as his rickshaw finds a permanent home at Ganabhaban, Nafiz’s memory and the cause he stood for will continue to inspire generations.