Jhalakathi, Dec 26 (V7N) – The launch terminal at Nalchity upazila in Jhalakathi, closely associated with the childhood and early life of Inkilab Mancha spokesperson Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, has been officially renamed in his honor.

Barishal BIWTA Executive Engineer Amzad Hossain confirmed the matter on Thursday afternoon, saying Sharif Osman Bin Hadi was born in Nalchity and had deep personal and emotional ties with the launch terminal area. His childhood, adolescence, and formative years were closely connected to the river and the terminal, prompting authorities to rename the Nalchity Launch Terminal after him. Renovation and repainting work at the terminal is currently underway, he added. The Shipping Adviser, Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, is scheduled to visit the terminal on Sunday.

The launch terminal holds significant importance in Hadi’s life. His ancestral home is located approximately 500 meters from the terminal, where he spent much of his childhood watching river traffic and interacting with local people. Residents say the terminal stood as a silent witness to his upbringing, and its renaming ensures his legacy will remain permanently connected to his birthplace.

Local resident Monir Hossain said the decision fulfilled a long-standing wish of the community to commemorate Hadi in a way that future generations would remember. Businessman Shahadat Alam Fakir described the move as a source of pride and deep emotion, while neighbor Belayet Hossain Nannu said the renaming symbolized that Hadi would live on forever in the area’s collective memory.

In parallel, memorial activities were organized across Jhalakathi to highlight Hadi’s struggle, ideals, and to press for justice in his killing. Graffiti and wall-writing programs were held as part of the Inkilab Mancha and Anti-Discrimination Student Movement initiatives.

The nationwide program began on Wednesday, Dec 24, with wall art created throughout Thursday at Jhalakathi Government Women’s College and the Mini Park area of the municipal town. Young artists and volunteers from various educational institutions took part in the activities.

Organizers said the objective was to present Shaheed Hadi’s life, political philosophy, and resistance against injustice to the new generation, while strengthening public demand for swift justice. They added that similar graffiti and wall-writing programs would be carried out in phases at Jhalakathi Government College, the Government High School, and other key locations.

The artwork depicted Hadi’s political vision, emphasizing freedom, state sovereignty, social justice, and an uncompromising stance against oppression and discrimination.

Yasin Ferdous Ifti, a district organizer of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Jhalakathi, said the graffiti represented not only remembrance but also protest. He said the campaign would continue nationwide until justice is ensured.

Separately, a doa mahfil and discussion meeting was organized by local residents of Jhalakathi seeking eternal peace for the soul of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, described as a leading figure of the anti-domination movement and a revolutionary July fighter.

The program was held at 3 pm on Thursday at the Jhalakathi Central Eidgah ground, presided over by Maulana Abdul Hai Nizami, president of the Jhalakathi Imam Association. Speakers included Advocate Md Hafizur Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Jhalakathi district unit, along with leaders of affiliated organizations and local dignitaries.

Speakers said Sharif Osman Bin Hadi was a fearless voice against injustice whose sacrifice and ideals would continue to inspire future generations.

Sharif Osman Bin Hadi was shot by assailants on Dec 12 with intent to kill. He was first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later shifted to Evercare Hospital. As his condition deteriorated, he was flown to Singapore by air ambulance on Dec 15, where he died on Dec 18 while undergoing treatment. His body was later brought back to Bangladesh and buried following a mass funeral prayer near the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam at the Dhaka University Central Mosque complex.

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