The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have launched a large-scale operation to apprehend the assailants responsible for the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and spokesperson for the Inqilab Mancha. The operation was confirmed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali, who assured that all possible measures are being taken to bring the attackers to justice.
Addressing journalists on Friday afternoon, the commissioner revealed that Hadi had sustained critical injuries from the gunmen and is currently receiving urgent medical care in the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. His condition has been described as extremely critical, with doctors continuing to make every effort to stabilise him.
Commissioner Sajjat Ali emphasised that the police, in coordination with the intelligence agencies and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), are actively involved in the search for the perpetrators. “Wherever the attackers may be hiding, they will be traced and brought under the law,” he said. The authorities stressed that swift action is crucial to maintain law and order, especially during this tense electoral period.
Preliminary reports indicate that the incident occurred around midday, when two armed men on a motorcycle opened fire on Hadi while he was travelling in a rickshaw in the Bijoynagar area. The assailants immediately fled the scene. Hadi was rescued in a critically injured condition and transported to Dhaka Medical College Hospital at approximately 3:00 pm.
Metropolitan Zone Deputy Commissioner Md. Harun or Rashid stated that initial investigations suggest Hadi was accompanied by an associate when the two attackers fired near Kalvert Road. Multiple police teams have been deployed to investigate the incident and collect evidence from the scene to identify and locate the perpetrators.
Dr Moshtak Ahmed, a physician at the hospital’s emergency department, reported that Hadi suffered a gunshot wound to the head and is currently in a deep coma. His medical condition remains extremely serious, and the medical team is continuing intensive care and monitoring.
Following the attack, members of the July Revolutionary Organisation gathered outside Dhaka Medical College Hospital to show support. Leaders from various political parties also visited to check on Hadi’s condition. Demonstrations demanding the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the attackers have been ongoing in the area.
Law enforcement agencies have cordoned off the surrounding area to ensure both public safety and uninterrupted medical treatment for Hadi. Authorities have reiterated that the operation is being conducted with urgency, aiming to protect political candidates, the general public, and maintain overall law and order during this critical election period.