Woman Speaks at Nahid Islam Rally: True Identity Revealed

In a recent development, the woman who addressed a rally in support of National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam, purportedly as the sister of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, has been identified more accurately. According to Dr Mahmuda Mitu, Deputy Chief Organiser of NCP, the speaker is in fact Sharif Osman Hadi’s paternal cousin, not his sister.

Dr Mitu shared this clarification in a post on her verified Facebook page on Sunday, 8 February. She stated: “The woman who spoke at Nahid Islam’s electoral rally, claiming to be Sharif Osman Hadi’s sister, is actually his father’s youngest sister’s daughter—Sharif Osman Hadi’s paternal cousin. Her name is Shabnam Khadija, daughter of Maulana Abdur Rashid and Hasina Begum.”

The deputy organiser added that circulating media reports suggesting an unknown person was presenting herself as Sharif Osman Hadi’s sister are entirely false and misleading.

Dr Mitu also provided additional family background to clarify Shabnam Khadija’s lineage: her maternal grandfather is Shafiz Uddin Munsi, and her father’s uncle was the late Sharif Abdul Hadi. The family originates from Madhya Kambetpur in Nolchiti Upazila of Jhalokathi district.

She further explained that Shabnam Khadija’s participation in the rally was a spontaneous decision. “Since her residence is very close to the rally venue, she expressed a desire to speak briefly in support of justice for Osman Hadi. It was in response to this interest that she was given the opportunity to address the gathering,” Dr Mitu noted.

The clarification aims to prevent any confusion regarding the familial connections and ensure accurate representation in the media.

Key Details at a Glance

This clarification comes amid heightened attention to familial representation during election campaigns, as parties seek authentic voices to speak at rallies.