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Published : 16 Dec 2025, 01:43 AM
The attempt on the life of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, convenor of Inqilab Moncho, has ignited criticism after Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin described the incident as an “isolated event”.
Election experts, however, caution that categorising it as such risks underestimating the broader threat to electoral integrity and voter confidence.
Specialists urge both the Election Commission and the government to act swiftly to prevent more such incidents, emphasising that continued violence could influence young voters navigating an unusually dynamic political landscape.
“Repeated incidents like this may leave a mark on young voters, especially in this unique electoral context,” said election analyst Abdul Alim.
The CEC’s comments on Monday morning triggered widespread discussion on social media and drew reactions from multiple political quarters.
The Jamaat-e-Islami demanded clarification on the event, while the National Citizen Party (NCP) questioned the CEC’s ethical authority. The Dhaka University Central Students’ Council (DUCSU) called for the statement to be withdrawn.
WHAT CEC SAID
During a question-and-answer session at an event in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Monday morning, the CEC was asked whether declining law and order could hinder free and fair elections.
He responded, “Where is law and order deteriorating? Occasionally, two or three violent incidents occur. This Hadi incident -- we consider these isolated events. Such things have always happened.
“Wasn’t Ahsanullah Master killed before? Many events like that occurred. Our former finance minister [Shah AMS] Kibria -- was he not assassinated? These things happen around elections. This is not new for Bangladesh. Law and order has actually improved compared with the past.”
Hadi, who came into prominence during the July Uprising and the movement to ban the Awami League, had announced his independent candidacy for Dhaka-8 in the parliamentary elections.
He was shot on Friday in Bijoynagar while campaigning; the assailant, riding pillion on a moving motorcycle, fired at Hadi, with the bullet striking him in the head.
Despite the attack, the CEC insisted there is no threat to the election itself: “Whatever comes, whatever concerns you may have, cast those worries aside. Prepare for the election so that together we can conduct a smooth, successful process.”
He noted that law and order has improved since August 2024. Later in the evening, the Election Commission clarified in a statement that the CEC’s comments aimed to indicate that the attack would not derail the election.
The commission also wished Hadi, a prospective candidate for Dhaka-8, a swift recovery and expressed sympathy to his family.
“SUCH INCIDENTS CAN LEAVE A MARK”
Alim stressed that Hadi’s case cannot simply be dismissed: “Several incidents have occurred before this -- attacks on Fuad in Barishal, Tania Rob in Noakhali, and Jamaat candidates in Sirajganj. If such events continue, calling them isolated is no longer possible.”
A member of the Electoral System Reform Commission formed after the July Uprising, Alim said the Election Commission and government must respond proactively to pre-election violence.
“These cannot be overlooked as isolated events. Any untoward incident before elections must be addressed promptly.”
Alim also highlighted the significance of this election: “Unlike the past three polls, a vast number of first-time voters, mostly young, are expected to participate. Violence of this nature could influence them.”
Another election analyst Sabbir Ahmed, urged caution against premature political speculation, stressing that instability should not be assumed without evidence.
INVESTIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITY
Political science professors at Dhaka University emphasised that the CEC cannot label such attacks as isolated without investigation, noting the potential for wider networks behind the incidents.
Former IGP Nurul Huda added, “Only investigators can comment on this. The CEC may have some information, but without a thorough probe, no one can declare this event as isolated. Hadi is an active political figure, campaigning energetically. It is not appropriate to downplay the attack.”
He also warned that political rivalry could provoke clashes before elections: “Politicians from different parties will naturally have opposing stances. Some pursue politics based on ideology, while others pursue it based on faith. Conflicts can arise, and authorities must be prepared for incidents like this.”
