Jhalokathi, Dec 22 (V7N) — Students and members of the public continued their protest for a third day in Jhalokathi, blocking the Barishal–Khulna highway to demand the swift arrest and punishment of those responsible for the killing of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi.

The blockade began around 2:00 pm on Sunday, December 21, at the College Mor area of the district town. Protesters gathered on the highway and staged demonstrations, bringing vehicular movement to a complete halt and causing severe inconvenience to passengers and commuters.

Mahmudul Hasan Sagar, Joint General Secretary of the Jhalokathi unit of Gono Odhikar Parishad, said Osman Hadi was killed for speaking out against what he described as Indian aggression and dominance. He alleged that despite the passage of several days, the main perpetrators have not been arrested. He declared that the movement would continue until justice is served, stating that Hadi had been martyred and that they were prepared to make any sacrifice to ensure accountability.

Yasin Ferdous Ifti, Joint Convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Jhalokathi, echoed similar allegations, saying Osman Hadi was targeted for his outspoken stance. He criticized the authorities for failing to bring the attackers under the law despite ongoing protests.

Raiyan Bin Kamal, Member Secretary of the same student movement, said demonstrations had been ongoing for several days, but no senior administrative official had come forward to listen to their demands. He warned that the road blockade would continue until senior police officials arrived at the scene and addressed their concerns.

Officer-in-Charge of Jhalokathi Sadar Police Station, Imtiaz Ahmed, said police reached the spot immediately after the blockade began and were attempting to negotiate with the protesters to restore traffic movement.

The situation remained tense as the protest continued into the afternoon, with traffic remaining suspended on the busy highway.

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