For eight-year-old Ramimul Islam Rifad, a father’s memory is a story built on waiting.
His father, Mofizul Islam Rashed, a former vice-president of Darussalam thana Chhatra Dal and former joint organising secretary of the central committee of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, disappeared years ago.
Since that day, Rifad has grown up carrying the uncertainty of a missing father and the pain of an unfinished wait.
His mother, Ruma Begum, spent years searching for justice over her husband’s disappearance. But in November 2021, while continuing her efforts, she died in a road accident in Mohammadpur.
After losing his mother, the family’s homestead in Hemayetpur, Savar, was also taken over by his uncle, leaving Rifad without the support of either parent.
Now, the son of a disappeared activist lives with his maternal aunt in Chandpur and studies at Balithuba Abdul Hamid High School. This year, he is preparing to sit for the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination.
As the exam approaches, Rifad needed textbooks and test papers to continue his studies. His elder brother Rimon shared the situation, following which BNP Chairman and chief patron of “Amra BNP Paribar” Prime Minister Tarique Rahman instructed his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon to arrange support.
On Friday (11 September), Member Secretary of “Amra BNP Paribar” Krishibid Moksedul Momin Mithun handed over the necessary books for Rifad’s studies to his elder brother Rimon.
Members of the organisation, including Masud Rana Liton, Agriculture Training Institute Chhatra Dal President Abdul Jalil, Dhaka College Chhatra Dal leader Abdullah Al Misbah, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Chhatra Dal leaders Shoaib Islam and Yasir Arafat Miraj, were present during the handover.
Rifad’s story reflects the long-lasting impact of enforced disappearances on families who continue to live between hope and uncertainty. “Amra BNP Paribar” said it has been working to support families affected by disappearances and help secure education and future opportunities for their children.
