A significant controversy has erupted following an election rally in the Dhaka-11 constituency, after a woman claiming to be the sister of the late Sharif Osman Hadi took to the stage to solicit votes for Nahid Islam. The incident occurred on Sunday, 8 February, during an event organised by an 11-party alliance supported by Jamaat-e-Islami, sparking a heated debate regarding the authenticity of her claims and the potential exploitation of a martyr’s legacy.
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The Rally and the Disputed Claim
The gathering featured several high-profile figures, including the Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr Shafiqur Rahman. During the proceedings, a woman identifying herself as Shabnam Khadija addressed the crowd, introducing herself as the sister of Sharif Osman Hadi—a figure whose name carries significant emotional and political weight. She used this platform to urge the electorate to support Nahid Islam, the prominent student leader turned politician.
However, the emotive appeal quickly soured as members of Osman Hadi’s immediate family came forward to denounce the speaker as an impostor.
Family Denunciation and Social Media Backlash
The controversy moved swiftly from the rally ground to digital platforms. Rabeya Islam Shampa, the widow of Sharif Osman Hadi, issued a firm rebuttal on Facebook, clarifying that her late husband was never formally affiliated with any political party during his lifetime. She expressed deep concern over the “unauthorised” use of his name for partisan gain.
“He was not a member of any political entity. I urge political parties not to use the name of Shaheed Osman Hadi for their own interests,” Shampa stated, though she added that she had no objection to people following his personal ideals.
Further casting doubt on the woman’s identity, Abdullah Al Jaber, the Member Secretary of Inqilab Mancha, shared the widow’s post. In the comments section, he noted that according to family records, Sharif Osman Hadi had only three sisters, and the woman identified as “Shabnam Khadija” was not among them.
Comparison of Conflicting Claims
| Feature | Claims of “Shabnam Khadija” | Statements from the Family |
| Relationship | Claims to be the sister of Osman Hadi | Family confirms she is not one of his three sisters |
| Political Stance | Actively campaigning for Nahid Islam | Family asserts Hadi was apolitical |
| Event Context | 11-Party Alliance Rally (Dhaka-11) | Family views the act as an “impostor” tactic |
| Affiliation | Implied link to Jamaat-backed alliance | Family demands cessation of name usage |
Unresolved Identity
Despite the public outcry, the true identity of the woman remains a mystery. Neither the alliance organisers nor Nahid Islam’s campaign office have provided a formal clarification regarding how she was vetted before being allowed to speak.
Political analysts suggest that using the relatives of martyrs is a common, albeit risky, strategy to gain moral authority during elections. In this instance, the lack of verification has seemingly backfired, leading to accusations of “identity fraud” and “political desperation.” As of Monday morning, law enforcement agencies have not received any formal complaints, but the incident continues to shadow the campaign in Dhaka-11.