A series of violent attacks on parliamentary candidates has sparked widespread fear among contenders for Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election. Independent candidate and Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was critically injured after being shot in Dhaka-8, following a similar attack earlier this month on BNP candidate Md Ershad Ullah in Chattogram-8. These incidents have heightened anxiety among candidates and voters, prompting urgent calls for stronger government action to ensure a peaceful electoral environment.

Political leaders from opposition parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the Amar Bangladesh Party, condemned the attacks as attempts to derail the election. Experts from Dhaka University warned that such violence could undermine public confidence and deter participation. Law enforcement agencies, including the Special Branch, have begun assessing security risks and planning constituency-specific safety measures. Analysts emphasize that without swift intervention, further violence could jeopardize the credibility and fairness of the election process.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus spoke by phone with Omar bin Hadi, brother of independent candidate and Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, who was critically injured in a shooting attack in Dhaka. During the Friday night call, Yunus expressed deep concern over the incident and assured that the government would provide full support for Hadi’s treatment.

Yunus said he had held an emergency meeting with advisers and security officials, instructing law enforcement to swiftly apprehend those responsible. He confirmed that the government would cover all medical expenses, including treatment abroad if necessary. Hadi was shot while preparing for campaign activities in the Bijoynagar area after Friday prayers and was later placed on life support at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Doctors reported that Hadi sustained severe head injuries and remained in critical condition. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stronger security measures for political candidates during the election period.

BNP-nominated candidate for Dhaka-6, Engineer Ishraq Hossain, has strongly condemned the recent attack on independent Dhaka-8 candidate Sharif Osman Hadi. In a Facebook post on Friday, Ishraq described the incident as a cowardly and heinous assassination attempt, urging authorities to immediately arrest those responsible and ensure exemplary punishment.

Hossain emphasized that the government cannot evade responsibility for the attack and called on all intelligence agencies to identify the perpetrators without delay. He also suggested that, if necessary, the attackers should be handed over to the public. In his post, Ishraq expressed prayers for Hadi’s quick recovery and wished him good health.

The incident has drawn attention amid heightened political tensions ahead of the national elections. Observers note that such attacks raise concerns about candidate safety and the overall election environment, prompting calls for stronger law enforcement measures.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return to Bangladesh on December 25, according to the party’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. The announcement came after an emergency meeting of the BNP Standing Committee held at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Friday night, which Rahman joined virtually from London.

Mirza Fakhrul told reporters that the party welcomes Rahman’s return with joy, describing it as a significant moment for BNP supporters. He also mentioned that Rahman had recently met with the party’s chief adviser in London, where discussions regarding the timing of his return took place. Senior BNP leaders, including Mirza Abbas, attended the meeting.

Rahman’s return is expected to energize BNP’s political base ahead of upcoming national developments. However, it also raises questions about his legal and political status, given his long absence from the country and previous convictions. The party is preparing for large-scale receptions and organizational mobilization upon his arrival.

Bangladeshi businessman Osman Hadi remains in critical condition after being shot in Dhaka on Friday evening. According to Health Directorate Director General Dr. Md. Abu Zafar, the bullet entered through Hadi’s right side and exited through the left, causing severe brain injury. After emergency surgery at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, his family transferred him to Evercare Hospital for further treatment.

Dr. Zafar stated that Hadi’s Glasgow Coma Scale score was at its lowest upon arrival but later improved slightly under medical care. Neurosurgeons performed a decompressive surgery to relieve pressure from brain swelling. He remains on artificial ventilation. The DG added that initial plans were to move him to the Combined Military Hospital, but the family opted for Evercare instead.

Witnesses reported that two helmeted assailants on a motorcycle shot Hadi near Baitus Salam Jame Mosque in Paltan before fleeing. Police are reviewing CCTV footage showing the attackers following Hadi’s rickshaw and firing from close range. Authorities have yet to confirm any motive or arrests.

Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has recovered crucial evidence related to the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and convener of the Inquilab Moncho. The attack occurred on Friday afternoon in the Bijoynagar culvert area, where armed assailants opened fire on Hadi. He was rescued in a bloodied state and taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital around 2:35 p.m.

CID officials confirmed the recovery of two bullet casings from the scene, which have been seized as significant evidence. Forensic tests are underway to determine the weapon type and source of the bullets. Investigators have also collected CCTV footage from nearby areas to trace the attackers. Earlier, on November 14, Hadi had alleged receiving death threats and surveillance messages from foreign numbers targeting him and his family.

Following the incident, security has been tightened around the hospital, with army personnel deployed to ensure safety. Authorities have not yet identified any suspects, but the investigation remains active.

Former interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan took part in a victory rally in Dhaka on Friday, where participants protested the shooting of independent candidate and Inquilab Manch convener Sharif Osman Hadi. The rally, organized by local supporters in the Dhaka-8 constituency, marched through Dhanmondi, Kalabagan, and Science Lab areas, with slogans demanding accountability from the administration.

Standing on a rickshaw, Asif Mahmud led chants calling for justice and transparency over the incident. Earlier the same day, he announced via a verified Facebook video that he would contest the upcoming national election as an independent candidate from Dhaka-10. His participation in the rally came just two days after resigning from his advisory roles in the interim government, where he oversaw local government, rural development, cooperatives, and youth and sports affairs.

The incident has drawn attention to rising political tensions ahead of the election, with calls for impartial investigation and assurance of candidate safety in the campaign period.

Students of Jahangirnagar University staged a protest and locked the university’s administrative building indefinitely following a shooting attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and an independent aspirant for Dhaka-8 constituency. The demonstration began Friday afternoon at the campus’s Bottola area and concluded near the vice-chancellor’s residence after a rally condemning the attack and demanding immediate arrest of the perpetrators.

Student leaders, including JAKSU General Secretary Mazharul Islam, blamed a culture of impunity and administrative negligence for the violence. They also renewed calls for justice against teachers and officials allegedly involved in the July campus attacks, accusing the administration of delaying disciplinary proceedings despite earlier promises. University authorities have yet to announce a timeline for completing the investigations.

The indefinite closure of the administrative building signals growing frustration among students over perceived administrative inaction. Observers warn that prolonged unrest could disrupt academic activities if the administration fails to address the demands promptly.

Dhaka’s metro rail operations were suspended on Friday, December 12, after employees launched a full-scale strike protesting the government’s failure to implement an independent employment regulation. Trains scheduled to depart from Uttara at 3:00 p.m. and from Motijheel at 3:20 p.m. did not operate, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded across multiple stations.

The strike was called by a section of regular officers and staff of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), which oversees metro construction and operations. Despite DMTCL’s assurance on Thursday that services would run as usual, protesting workers refused to comply. DMTCL spokesperson Zahidul Islam stated that the authorities were working to address the employees’ demands, noting that procedural steps were underway but service disruption still occurred.

The sudden shutdown caused significant inconvenience for commuters and families planning weekend outings. Government officials are now reviewing the situation, though no timeline has been announced for service resumption.

Independent candidate and Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was shot in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area on Friday afternoon while campaigning for the upcoming 13th national election. Witnesses said two men arrived on a motorcycle, and one of them opened fire on Hadi before fleeing the scene. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital with a gunshot wound to the head, where doctors performed emergency surgery and later transferred him to the intensive care unit.

According to Inquilab Moncho member Mohammad Osama, the two assailants had joined Hadi’s campaign team about two weeks ago but were absent for several days before reappearing shortly before the attack. Law enforcement agencies, including police and RAB, are reviewing CCTV footage and other evidence to identify the shooters. Hospital officials have yet to issue a formal statement on Hadi’s condition.

Family members said Hadi might be moved to Evercare Hospital if his condition requires advanced treatment. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and authorities have not confirmed any arrests.

Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha and an independent parliamentary candidate, has been transferred to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka following a gun attack that left him critically injured. The decision was made by his family after he underwent emergency surgery and was placed on life support at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Hospital director Brigadier General Md Asaduzzaman confirmed the transfer on Friday evening.

Earlier in the day, Hadi was shot while preparing for an election campaign near Bijoynagar Kalvert Road after Friday prayers. Witnesses reported that two assailants on a motorcycle fired multiple shots before fleeing the scene. DMCH doctors said Hadi sustained severe head injuries and required CPR upon arrival. Police have launched an operation to apprehend the attackers, according to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner.

The incident has heightened security concerns ahead of the upcoming election, with political observers warning of potential escalation of violence during campaign activities.

Independent candidate and Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was critically injured after being shot by unidentified assailants in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area on Friday, December 12. Police confirmed that Hadi, contesting from Dhaka-8 constituency, was preparing for campaign activities when the attack occurred. He is currently on life support and undergoing surgery at a local hospital.

Following the incident, cultural affairs adviser and filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki condemned the attack in a verified Facebook post. He alleged that Hadi had previously received death threats from foreign numbers and demanded that those responsible be held accountable, regardless of affiliation. Farooki also expressed solidarity with Hadi’s supporters and wished for his recovery, saying the nation was praying for him.

Authorities have launched an investigation to identify the perpetrators, while the Dhaka Metropolitan Police deployed additional forces in the area. The incident has heightened concerns over election-related violence and candidate safety ahead of upcoming polls.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has strongly condemned the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and spokesperson of Inquilab Manch. Visiting Hadi at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Friday, Rahman warned that any attempt to re-establish fascism or terror in the country would face a strong response from the people.

He urged the government to immediately identify and punish those responsible for the attack, stressing that any negligence would be unacceptable. Rahman described the incident as cowardly and said the nation would not tolerate such acts of violence. He also emphasized that Bangladesh belongs to all its citizens, not to any particular group or lineage.

Hadi remains in critical condition, according to doctors. Rahman expressed prayers for his recovery and hoped he would soon return to political activities. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed calls for ensuring security for election candidates amid rising political tensions.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has strongly condemned the shooting of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Osman Hadi, who was critically injured in Dhaka’s Paltan area. Speaking virtually as the chief guest at a workshop at the Krishibid Institution on Friday, Rahman called on party members and the public to assist the government in identifying and apprehending those responsible for the attack.

Rahman emphasized the need for a fair and transparent investigation, urging law enforcement agencies to act swiftly. He appealed to leaders and activists of the BNP and its student wing to cooperate with authorities to ensure justice. During his address, Rahman also highlighted the importance of planned and coordinated politics for national development, expressing concern over the country’s current political instability.

The attack on Osman Hadi, who was later taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition, has drawn widespread condemnation. The incident underscores rising political tensions and the need for restraint and dialogue among political stakeholders.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali announced a large-scale operation to capture the gunmen who shot independent Dhaka-8 parliamentary candidate and Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The attack occurred Friday afternoon when armed assailants on motorcycles opened fire on Hadi while he was riding a rickshaw. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition, suffering a gunshot wound to the head.

Commissioner Ali said police, intelligence units, and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) are jointly conducting raids to locate the attackers. Deputy Commissioner Harun-or-Rashid confirmed that multiple teams are investigating the incident and reviewing leads. Hospital officials reported that Hadi remains in a coma.

The shooting has sparked outrage among political activists and supporters, who gathered outside the hospital demanding justice and swift arrests. Authorities have pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice as the investigation continues ahead of the upcoming national election.