Cultural affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has called for national unity following the shooting of activist and independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi in Dhaka. Speaking on Saturday, Farooki said that the violence recalls the 'killings of July,' when pro-liberation voices were targeted, and warned that the perpetrators, some of whom remain abroad, continue to threaten Bangladesh’s democratic values.

Farooki criticized growing political infighting ahead of the upcoming elections, saying that internal divisions strengthen those who oppose freedom and justice. He urged political parties to act responsibly, emphasizing that Bangladesh faces a decade-long struggle to preserve its independence and sovereignty. He declared that fascist forces have yet to accept justice and continue to pursue a politics of violence.

Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8, was shot on Friday in Bijoynagar. Doctors at Dhaka Medical College and later Evercare Hospital reported his condition as stable after surgery. A medical board stated no further operations are planned for now.