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Sheikh Abdul Hafiz is 25 years old. On August 13, as part of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) “School Thik Karo (fix the schools)” campaign, he walked into the government primary school in Karisunda that he had once attended and asked to inspect it for the most basic of amenities. Hours later, his family was attacked at home. Eight have been arrested, including a BJP leader. His father, Sheikh Mohammad Mafik, died of his injuries on August 15. When the government offered compensation, Abdul Hafiz turned it down, asking instead for a school in his father’s name. 

Abdul Hafiz spoke to The Wire from Bankura, where he is currently staying. The Wire sent him the questions, to which he responded with voice notes. His voice messages in Bengali have been transcribed and translated.

You have lost your father and have been attacked yourself. I must ask you the question on everyone’s minds – what are you feeling right now and where does the courage to keep going come from?

I am not made of stone either. I have lost my father and I was attacked myself. But physical strength is not always what it takes to stand against injustice. Being clear before your own conscience is the greatest strength there is.

I am not doing this for any personal gain. I want the boys and girls of my village to get a good education, I want........

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