Following the attack on Osman Hadi in Dhaka, political leaders have strongly condemned the attack, emphasising the need for an end to political violence.
BNP has expressed deep concern over the shooting of independent Dhaka-8 candidate Osman Hadi and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible.
In a statement signed by the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the BNP described the attack as part of a plan aimed at destabilising the electoral environment.
“This is a deliberate attempt to spread fear and panic in society for political gain. Certain groups are exploiting chaos to benefit from unrest,” the statement said.
The party called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice swiftly and urged exemplary punishment. It also wished a speedy and full recovery for Hadi, who was seriously injured in the attack.
Linking the incident to recent political unrest, the BNP said, “During the July-August 2024 student and mass uprisings, efforts were made to obstruct the march of democracy. This brutal attack on Osman Hadi is a cruel continuation of that same agenda.”
The statement warned citizens to remain vigilant against subversive elements. “These acts are intended to disrupt the democratic process and the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. All citizens, regardless of political affiliation, must unite to protect democracy, safeguard voting rights, and ensure public safety. Otherwise, lurking terrorist elements will continue to threaten the nation,” the BNP said.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has strongly condemned the reported shooting of an independent parliamentary candidate in Dhaka, reiterating that political violence has no place in a democratic society.
In a statement posted on his verified Facebook account on Friday, Fakhrul said that violence and intimidation must be rejected regardless of political ideology. “In a democracy, there is no space for political violence—none at any time. Whoever resorts to fear or force must be collectively opposed,” he wrote.
According to initial reports cited by Fakhrul, Osman Hadi was shot and subsequently taken to hospital. He extended his wishes for Hadi’s speedy recovery.
Fakhrul also urged the interim government and law-enforcement agencies to take decisive measures to curb violence and ensure the safety of candidates and voters as the election approaches.
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman also reacted to the incident, writing on his Facebook, “I demand the swift arrest of the terrorists.” He called for immediate action to arrest those responsible for the shooting and stated, “Such violence, regardless of political rivalry or differing opinions, is never acceptable. I demand a swift, impartial, and transparent investigation into this incident, and I pray to Allah for his full recovery.”
Reacting to the incident on Facebook, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) Vice President Shadik Kayem said, “Osman Hadi has been shot. We will soon begin our uprising to liberate Dhaka city from the clutches of extortionists and gangsters. I call on the students and citizens of the capital to be prepared.”
Meanwhile, Nasiruddin Patwary, the chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), strongly condemned the incident. He told the media, “Like Osman Hadi, our lives are also in danger. We may also be killed, but we are determined to continue fighting, even if it means fighting with our lives.”
Hadi, who is campaigning for a parliamentary seat, was shot while actively participating in his election campaign. Israfil Fcrazi, a key organizer of the July Oikya, confirmed that Hadi was rushed to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital immediately after the incident.
Earlier, on 14 November, Hadi had posted on Facebook revealing threats of death, arson at his home, and threats of sexual violence against his family. He also mentioned receiving calls and texts from at least 30 foreign numbers, warning him of ongoing surveillance and violence.
