Masuma Hadi Demands Justice for Sharif Osman Hadi, Rejects Claims of Election Sabotage

Masuma Hadi, sister of slain activist Shaheed Sharif Osman bin Hadi, has rejected allegations that demands for justice are aimed at disrupting the upcoming national election, saying instead that those making such claims are the ones seeking to derail the electoral process.

Speaking at a protest rally on Sunday around 1:00 PM (Bangladesh time) at Bijoy Ullash Chattar in Nalchity, Jhalokathi, Masuma Hadi said, “Whenever we demand justice for Hadi’s murder, we are accused of trying to sabotage the election. I want to ask—are we the ones doing this, or are they? The election must be held on February 12. India does not want the election to take place on that day.”

The protest was organized to demand justice for the killing of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, one of the prominent faces of the July mass uprising and convenor of the Inqilab Mancha.

Masuma Hadi stated that the movement would continue until the perpetrators are brought to justice. “We are receiving no clear message regarding the trial. Until our demands are fulfilled, we will not return home,” she said.

Referring to past incidents of enforced disappearances and killings, she said many people were victims during the previous authoritarian regime. “Most recently, my brother was killed for speaking in favor of the country’s independence and sovereignty. Yet today, there is no justice for this martyr,” she added.

She also mentioned the unresolved trials of the Pilkhana massacre, the killing of Abrar Fahad, and the long-standing case of film actor Salman Shah, saying expectations for justice from successive governments have repeatedly been disappointed.

Calling on citizens to participate in the election, Masuma Hadi urged voters to go to polling centers on February 12 and vote “in favor of Bangladesh.” She emphasized that regardless of which government comes to power after the election, justice for Osman Hadi must be ensured.

“We want a Bangladesh of justice for Shaheed Sharif Osman bin Hadi,” she said.

Members of various volunteer organizations, along with students from Nalchity Islamia Fazil Degree Madrasa and Government Nalchity Merchants Secondary School, were present at the demonstration.