Chattogram: The flecked bullet tore apart not only the throat of Hridoy Chandra Taruya, a brave warrior of the July 2024 anti-discrimination movement, but also shattered the long-cherished dreams of his poor parents.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Hridoy Chandra Taruya, an honors third-year student of the History Department at Chattogram University, was the only son of a poor carpenter, Ratan Chandra Taruya, and his mother, Archana Rani. They resided in Andua village under Mirzagonj upazila in the Patuakhali district. On July 18 of the previous year, during a protest at Bahadderhat intersection, a hotspot of the July-August uprising, a bullet entered one side of 22-year-old Hridoy’s throat, tearing apart his vocal tract. This was during indiscriminate firing by law enforcers and armed goons patronized by the ousted ruling Awami League.
Ratan and Archana had pinned their hopes on their only son, Hridoy, dreaming he would become a government officer after completing his honors degree through the BCS exam. On July 4, Hridoy joined the protest with hundreds of comrades. During a tense situation at the Sholashahar to Bahadderhat point, he was shot at 4 p.m. He was immediately taken to CMCH and later shifted to DMCH as his condition worsened. After five days of battling for his life, he succumbed, ending all hopes for his parents.
Grief-stricken Ratan shared his sorrow when contacted by BSS Chattogram, recalling his son’s achievements in academics despite financial hardships. Hridoy’s sister, Mitu Rani, recounted the family’s excitement when Hridoy was admitted to CU and how her mother worked part-time to support the family.
Sakib Mahmud Rumi, a close friend of Hridoy, described him as the heart of his family, whose dreams were cut short by the discriminatory quota system in public service. Rumi emphasized that the uprising was not for personal gain but to end injustice and ensure dignity for all.
Rasel Ahmed, central coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, remembered Hridoy as an active participant who made the supreme sacrifice. Ratan Taruya now seeks justice for his son and others who lost their lives, appealing to the government of Prof. Muhammad Yunus for support to the martyrs’ families.