Attackers of Osman Hadi identified, arrests imminent: DMP chief

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali said on Saturday that the assailants who shot independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency and Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi have been identified, adding: "We are very close to detecting them. The culprits will be arrested at any moment."

Motijheel Division Deputy Commissioner Harun-or-Rashid told The Daily Campus: "CCTV footage from the area has been collected. Several teams are working to identify the perpetrators. We hope to arrest them very soon."

Medical update

DMCH Resident Surgeon Dr Mostak Ahmed said: "The bullet entered from the right side and exited near the left ear. A few fragments remain in the brain. Senior neuro-specialists performed surgery. A small pellet was removed, but two or three fragments are still inside, causing bleeding and increased brain pressure. Surgery was done to stop the bleeding and reduce pressure. He has been transferred to Evercare Hospital."

The attack

The shooting occurred after Jummah prayers on Friday (12 December) in Bijoynagar's Box Culvert area during campaigning. Eyewitnesses said two men on a motorcycle fired at Hadi and fled. Nearby CCTV footage captured gunshots around 2:20 pm and showed two youths escaping on a motorcycle.

DMP Media DC Muhammad Talebur Rahman said: "Around 2:25 pm, miscreants on three motorcycles arrived. One fired at Hadi before escaping."

Earlier at 11:52 am, Hadi posted on Facebook: "Since there are no posters or festoons of mine in Dhaka-8, I don't have to worry about tearing them down. Jummah Mubarak from in front of the ACC office."

Chief Adviser condemns

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus called the attack "one of the most alarming incidents during the interim government's tenure" and a "calculated blow to Bangladesh's democratic journey". He said it shows "defeated forces daring to challenge the country's existence".

DMP issued a statement Friday afternoon strongly condemning the "cowardly and reprehensible" attack.

Hadi remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital. Police investigation is ongoing.