JHALAKATHI, May 7 (V7N) — Jhalakathi marked World Red Cross Red Crescent Day 2026 today with various colorful programs, while a separate incident in the district saw a young woman launch a hunger strike at her husband’s home demanding her marital dignity.
Red Crescent Day: "United in Humanity"

The Jhalakathi Red Crescent Unit held its celebrations on Thursday, following a central decision to adjust the schedule due to government holidays.

Ceremonial Opening:
The day began with the hoisting of the national and Red Crescent flags at the unit office by Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md. Kawsar Hossain and District Council Administrator and Jhalakathi Red Crescent Unit Chairman Adv. Md. Shahadat Hossain. This was followed by a human chain where youth volunteers and unit representatives highlighted the movement’s seven fundamental principles.

Discussion Meeting:
A seminar titled "United in Humanity" was held at 10:00 am, presided over by Adv. Md. Shahadat Hossain.

Chief Guest: Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md. Kawsar Hossain.

Special Guests: Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) SM Bayzid and Jhalakathi District BNP Convener Adv. Md. Syed Hossain.

Speakers, including Jhalakathi Reporters Club President Adv. Md. Mizanur Rahman Mubin and Youth Chief Md. Naeem Hossain, paid tribute to founder Jean Henry Dunant. They lauded the unit’s ongoing contributions to disaster relief, blood donation, and healthcare, while pledging to further engage the younger generation in humanitarian service.
Woman’s Hunger Strike in Kanthalia

While the district celebrated humanitarian values, a tense situation unfolded in Koikhali village of Kanthalia Upazila. Jannati Akhter, a resident of Kurigram, began a hunger strike on Thursday morning at the home of Shakil Islam, demanding she be recognized as his wife.

The Allegation:
Jannati claimed she married Shakil a year ago in Dhaka after a two-year relationship. She stated they lived together in a rented house in the Latifpur area until April 14, when Shakil disappeared and switched off his phone.

"Finding no other way, I came to his village home with my younger sister. Sensing my arrival, his parents and siblings locked the house and fled," Jannati told reporters. She vowed to stay at the premises until Shakil accepts her, threatening suicide if justice is not served.

Official Response:

Local Authorities: Local UP Member Md. Selim Talukder confirmed he is aware of the situation and plans to mediate. Efforts to reach the acting chairman of Shauljalia Union Parishad were unsuccessful.

Police: Abu Naser Raihan, Officer-in-Charge of Kanthalia Police Station, stated that no formal complaint has been filed yet, but police will take action upon receiving one.

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