In Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area, Sharif Osman Hadi, a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and spokesperson for the Inqilab Mancha, has been placed on life support following a gunshot attack. The office of the Director of Dhaka Medical College Hospital confirmed his critical condition.
On Friday afternoon, shortly after 4:00 pm, a call was made to Brigadier General Md. Asaduzzaman, Director of Dhaka Medical College, to inquire about Hadi’s health. The director’s office reported that Hadi’s situation is critical and life-threatening. He remains on life support, and the bullet is still lodged inside his head.
Hadi was shot around midday in the Box Culvert area of Bijoynagar. Severely injured, he was immediately transported to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for urgent treatment.
Muhammad Talebur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, told the newspaper that the attack took place at approximately 2:25 pm when assailants on a motorcycle opened fire at Hadi.
At the time of the shooting, Md. Rafi was seated in a rickshaw behind Hadi and witnessed the incident. He described it to the newspaper, saying, “After Jumma prayers, we were heading towards the High Court in a rickshaw. As we reached Bijoynagar, two individuals on a motorcycle came and fired at Hadi bhai, then fled. I was in the rickshaw directly behind him.”
The attack has prompted serious concern from Professor Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser to the interim government, who expressed alarm over the severity of Hadi’s injuries. He has also instructed law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough and rapid investigation, ensuring that all individuals involved are identified and brought to justice promptly.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the political community and general public, highlighting the persistent security risks faced by political figures in the capital. Authorities have assured that measures are being taken to fully investigate the incident and provide protection for other candidates during the ongoing electoral process.
Officials at Dhaka Medical College continue to monitor Hadi’s condition closely. Hospital sources indicate that medical teams are working to stabilise him, and updates are expected as treatment progresses. His family and supporters remain anxiously awaiting news, while the situation continues to be critical, reflecting the gravity of the attack and its implications for political safety in Dhaka.