Rafiq Uddin Ahmed
Quick Facts
Biography
Rafiq Uddin Ahmed (Bengali: রফিক উদ্দীন আহমেদ) (October 30, 1926 – February 21, 1952) was a demonstrator killed during the Bengali Language Movement demonstrations that took place in East Pakistan (currently Bangladesh) in 1952.
Background
Rafiq Uddin Ahmed was born at Paril village in Singair Upazila in Manikganj District. His father was the patron of the Manikganj Commercial College. He passed his matriculation from Baira School in 1949. He became a student of the Intermediate Class of Debendra College. But he discontinued his studies and moved to Dhaka where he worked in his father's commercial printing business. In Dhaka he admitted himself in Jagannath University (then Jagannath College).
Events
Rafiq Uddin Ahmed was active in the student strike on February 21, 1952 denying Section 144 at Dhaka University. When police opened fire at the Dhaka Medical College premises, Rafiq was shot in the head and died immediately. He is probably the first martyr of the language movement and was later buried at Azimpur Graveyard by the Army. His grave, though, was lost and could not be identified later.
Legacy
He was awarded Ekushey Padak posthumously in the year 2000 for his sacrifice.