Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have launched a large-scale operation to apprehend the gunmen who shot prospective independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi on Friday.
DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali told reporters that Osman Hadi is in critical condition at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head.
“Wherever the criminals are hiding, they will be tracked down and brought under the law,” he said, adding that police, intelligence agencies, and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) are working together in the operation.
According to initial reports, the attack occurred around 2.20pm when Osman Hadi and another person were traveling in a rickshaw in the capital’s Bijoynagar culvert road area. Two armed men on a motorcycle opened fire on Osman Hadi and fled immediately.
He was rushed to DMCH at 2:35 pm.
Dr Mostak Ahmed, a resident doctor at DMCH, confirmed that Osman Hadi is in a coma and described his condition as extremely critical.
News of the attack quickly spread, drawing supporters of the July Uprising movement to the hospital. Leaders from various political parties also visited to show solidarity.
Outside DMCH, activists demanded the immediate arrest of the attackers and called for the strictest punishment, urging authorities to ensure justice and maintain law and order ahead of the upcoming elections.
