‘We hope to hit within 24 hours’: DMP chief on Osman Hadi shooting probe, one hour remaining

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali said on Saturday that the prime suspect in the shooting of independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency Sharif Osman bin Hadi has been identified, adding: "We are very hopeful of making the breakthrough within 24 hours, Insha'Allah."

Speaking to reporters after addressing the annual general meeting of the Retired Police Officers Welfare Association at Rajarbagh, the commissioner said: "We are searching for the prime target, and by now you (media) also know his name – we have released it. Less than 24 hours have passed. Hopefully we will hit it, Insha'Allah."

He urged public cooperation, saying a press release has been issued seeking information on the suspect.

Hadi was shot after Jummah prayers on Friday (12 December) during campaigning in Bijoynagar's Box Culvert area, Paltan. Motorcycle-borne assailants fired at him and fled. CCTV footage shows gunshots around 2:20 pm and two youths escaping.

DMCH police camp in-charge Md Faruk said Hadi was brought shortly after 2:30 pm. He underwent initial surgery at DMCH and was transferred to Evercare Hospital at night.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus termed the attack "one of the most alarming incidents" during the interim government's tenure, calling it a "planned assault on Bangladesh's democratic journey" by "defeated forces".

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

Hadi remains in critical condition. Police investigation is ongoing.