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Published : 13 Dec 2025, 02:56 AM
Comrades of Sharif Osman bin Hadi believe his assailants had spent the day at his side on the campaign trail.
Police, however, have not yet disclosed any information on the assailants.
Hadi, an independent election hopeful in the Dhaka-8 constituency and convenor of the Inqilab Moncho platform, was shot immediately after Jummah prayer in the capital's Bijoynagar on Friday.
Supporters have since circulated photographs from his election canvassing earlier in the day, claiming two men seen walking with him were the “professional shooters” who later opened fire.
After sharing with bdnews24.com the decision of a nightlong crackdown to arrest the assailants, Inspector General of Police Md Baharul Alam in a phone call on Friday night said the assault was carried out by those seeking to exert a “negative influence” on the election.
“We are not discussing progress at this moment; we are working, and we will not fail,” he said.
The attack on Hadi comes a day after the Election Commission announced the schedule to hold the parliamentary elections and referendum on implementing the July Charter on Feb 12.
Hadi was a familiar face of the July Movement and a vocal critic of the Awami League’s activities. Since announcing his independent candidacy, he has been touring the Dhaka-8 constituency, covering Motijheel, Shahjahanpur, Paltan, Ramna, and Shahbagh on Fridays.
Hadi had plans to distribute leaflets at a mosque after Friday prayers as part of his election campaign. He and his colleagues were later due to gather at Suhrawardy Udyan for lunch and discussions.
Hadi was heading for Suhrawardy Udyan when he was shot.
CCTV footage showed two assailants on a motorcycle carried out the attack, with the pillion rider firing a single headshot as the target sped along in an electric rickshaw. The shooting occurred on the Box Culvert Road around 2:25pm.
Hadi was first admitted to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he underwent an operation. He was later shifted to Evercare Hospital. His condition is stated to be extremely critical.
TAKING DOWN A MOVING TARGET WITH A SINGLE SHOT
A CCTV footage of the attack shows a Honda motorcycle with two riders pulling up alongside the electric rickshaw carrying Hadi. The pillion rider draws a firearm and fires a single shot before the bike speeds away. The number plate is not visible.
Weekend traffic was lighter than usual, giving the gunmen a clear run to accelerate and escape, leaving Hadi shot in the head. Police later recovered a spent cartridge from the scene.
Hitting a moving target with a single round is the work of a “professional shooter”, said Parvez Khan, a Dhaka crime reporter of four decades.
“These are highly professional shooters,” he said. “This attack is in no way a coincidence. It was a precise strike.”
SHOOTERS
Supporters released two campaign photos in the afternoon showing young men they suspect as attackers. One masked individual is seen sitting with Hadi; another in a suit and shawl stands nearby.
Images circulated on the internet, with some attempts to recreate facial features using AI.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) said in a statement, “After receiving news of the incident, police visited the scene, collected CCTV footage, and continue efforts to identify and arrest the suspects. DB and local police are conducting raids at suspected locations.”
Citizens are urged to report any information via local stations or 999.
HOSPITAL CROWD
Within 10–15 minutes of the shooting, Hadi was brought to DMCH.
Supporters, activists and journalists gathered at the hospital, requiring Army assistance to control the crowd.
After initial surgery, he was moved to Evercare Hospital ICU at 7:35pm.
‘CRITICAL CONDITION’
Zahid Raihan, the DMCH neurosurgeon who operated on him, believes the bullet that struck Sharif Osman Hadi may have passed clean through his skull.
“His condition is extremely serious. We cannot give any assurance of recovery,” he said.
Doctors at Evercare confirmed he is on artificial respiration.
PROTESTS, OUTRAGE
The attack sparked protests and concern among political parties. Demonstrations took place at Dhaka University and other locations.
In Hadi’s birthplace, Jhalakathi, residents blocked roads in anger.
