Protesters block road in Jhalakathi over Osman Hadi shooting

Traffic comes to a standstill as protesters demand arrests of attackers within 24 hours

Leaders and activists of the Students Against Discrimination have blocked roads in Jhalakathi’s Sadar Upazila in protest over the shooting of Osman Hadi, convoner of the Inquilab Mancha platform.

Hadi’s family home is in Nalchity Upazila.

The blockade began at 4pm on Friday at the college intersection on the Jhalakathi-Barisal regional highway, where protesters set tyres on fire, according to Sadar Police chief Imtiaz Ahmed.

Traffic on the highway was completely halted during the blockade, leaving over 100 vehicles, including long-distance buses to Barisal and Khulna, stranded for nearly an hour.

Protesters demanded that those responsible for the attack on Osman Hadi be arrested within 24 hours, warning of tougher action if their demand was not met.

Police arrived around 5pm and held talks with the demonstrators. After assurances, the blockade was lifted and traffic gradually returned to normal.

Officer Imtiaz confirmed that traffic was moving again.

Hadi was shot after Jummah prayers in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar, and taken straight to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he remains on life support.