The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has characterised the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha, on Friday afternoon as part of a far-reaching and sinister conspiracy. In a statement issued and signed by senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the party noted that Hadi was critically injured by wayward assailants and is currently undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The BNP expressed profound concern over the brutal and inhumane attack, strongly condemning the incident.
The party emphasised that the assault on Hadi was a calculated attempt to undermine the electoral environment. BNP described the attack as an act of terrorism aimed at instilling fear and panic in society, carried out to serve the interests of those behind it. The statement highlighted that certain groups are deliberately employing violent acts to achieve narrow political gains and personal advantages. By spreading fear and intimidation, the attackers are attempting to realise their objectives at the expense of public security and societal stability.
Further, the BNP statement noted that during July–August 2024, a conspiratorial faction sought to obstruct the progress of student and public movements striving for the victory of democracy. Hadi’s severe injury is viewed as a stark illustration of this deliberate subversive effort. The party urged the public to remain vigilant against such hidden schemes and to help safeguard democratic processes from sabotage.
The statement also underscored the importance of unity among political parties, activists, and citizens to protect democracy, uphold the right to vote, and ensure the safety of life and property nationwide. Without such unity, opportunistic elements could destabilise the nation and jeopardise its very existence. BNP has demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of all those responsible for the attack on Hadi, while conveying heartfelt wishes for his swift recovery.
The incident has triggered widespread concern among political circles and the general public. Planned acts of violence ahead of elections are regarded as wholly unacceptable. Government authorities, law enforcement agencies, and health officials are actively monitoring the situation, taking all necessary measures to manage it. Relevant authorities remain fully prepared to maintain a peaceful and secure electoral environment, ensuring that the forthcoming election proceeds safely, fairly, and without disruption.