Sheikh Azizur Rahman, widely recognised as a “July Warrior,” has fulfilled a long-held dream by meeting Prime Minister (PM) Tarique Rahman to hand over the bloodstained national flag he wore while sustaining grave injuries during the July uprising.
The meeting took place on Thursday at the PM’s Office within the Cabinet Division of Bangladesh Secretariat.
Azizur, who carries the scars of a head wound and 36 bullet splinters across his body, presented the flag – which had been soaked in his blood when he tied it around his head to stem bleeding on the battlefield – directly to the PM.
The PM’s attention was drawn to Azizur’s plight following a recent media report titled, “July warrior denied recognition despite being shot, solely for involvement with Chatra Dal.”
Upon reading the report, the premier instructed his additional press secretary, Atikur Rahman Ruman, to investigate the matter and arrange the meeting.
During the audience, PM Tarique listened intently to Azizur’s accounts of hardship. He enquired about the student’s injuries, his academic progress, and his current lifestyle, which includes driving a CNG auto-rickshaw to fund his education and living costs.
The PM was reportedly deeply moved and saddened by accounts of Azizur’s struggle for survival.
Sheikh Azizur Rahman is currently a second-year honours student in Department of Social Work at Government Bangla College. He serves as a member of the college’s Chatra Dal convening committee and hails from Lohagara Upazila in Narail.
Azizur rose to prominence during the mass movement in July 2024, when he was seen waving the national flag on Mirpur-10 flyover. He was seriously injured by police fire during the protests.
Despite his injuries, he refused to leave the streets, using the flag to bind his bleeding head. He was subsequently arrested by police on 19 July and released on 21 July following a two-day remand.
Despite his sacrifices, Azizur was denied official recognition as a July warrior for two years due to his political affiliation with Chatra Dal.
To maintain his family and continue his studies, he spent the last two years navigating the challenges of life behind the steering wheel of a CNG.
Following the meeting, an emotional Azizur expressed his profound joy. “I had a great desire to hand this flag over to the honourable prime minister,” he said. “That wish has been fulfilled. This feeling is beyond words.” he added.
The PM listened to his grievances and enquired about his well-being as the most memorable highlight of his life.
