Sharif Osman Hadi, a prospective independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha, was critically injured in a shooting while preparing for election campaigning. The attack occurred on Friday, 12 December, shortly after Jumma prayers in the Box Culvert Road area of Bijoynagar, when assailants opened fire at him. He was rushed at 2:35 pm to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (Dhaka Medical), where he is now admitted to the One Stop Crisis Centre (OSEC) for urgent care.
In the wake of the attack, security at Dhaka Medical College Hospital has been substantially reinforced. In addition to an increased police presence, four platoons of military personnel have been deployed, including at the main entrance to the emergency department. Observers reported multiple military vehicles entering the hospital shortly before 4:00 pm on Friday afternoon, complementing the already heightened police deployment to ensure safety within the premises.
Dr Mustak Ahmed, the resident surgeon at the emergency department, stated that Hadi arrived in an extremely critical condition and required CPR. The bullet remained lodged in his head, and he also sustained injuries near his ear. According to the hospital director’s office, Hadi is on life support due to the severity of his condition.
When contacted, Brigadier General Md. Asaduzzaman, Director of Dhaka Medical College, confirmed that Hadi remains in a life-threatening state and continues to be maintained on life support.
Muhammad Talebur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner for Media and Public Relations at Dhaka Metropolitan Police, told the media that the attack occurred around 2:25 pm, immediately following Jumma prayers. Two assailants on a motorcycle opened fire at Hadi in the Box Culvert area of Bijoynagar and fled the scene.
Following the shooting, hospital authorities and security agencies increased their vigilance. Medical personnel are closely monitoring Hadi’s condition, while his family remains at the hospital anxiously awaiting updates. Despite constant attention from doctors and staff, the situation remains grave.
The incident has provoked widespread concern among political circles and the general public, drawing attention to the ongoing security risks faced by political figures during election campaigning. Authorities are actively working to ensure the safety of other candidates while conducting a thorough investigation into the attack to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.