Outrage and emotional reactions pour in after attack on independent candidate Osman Hadi

The shooting of independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency and Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi during campaigning in Bijoynagar, Paltan, has triggered widespread condemnation, emotional outpourings and demands for swift action from political and religious figures.

Hadi was shot in the head around 2:25 pm on Friday and rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) in critical condition. The bullet remains lodged in his head, and he has been placed on life support. He was later transferred to Evercare Hospital for advanced treatment.

Hasnat Abdullah's plea

NCP South Region chief organiser Hasnat Abdullah wrote at 3:00 pm: “Allah, save my brother.”

He was seen crying inconsolably outside the hospital.

Tarique Rahman's directive

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman strongly condemned the attack and directed party leaders and activists, especially Chhatra Dal, to assist law enforcers in identifying the culprits.

Speaking online at a BNP workshop on “Plan to Build the Nation” in the afternoon, he said: “Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi is seriously injured in hospital after being shot by miscreants. I express deep concern and strongly condemn this inhuman and brutal incident.”

He urged all to cooperate fully with the government and law enforcers to quickly identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Mirza Fakhrul's call

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir posted on Facebook: “There is no place for political violence in democracy – never. Whatever our ideology, we must unitedly reject anyone resorting to fear or force.”

Praying for Hadi's recovery, he said: “I hope the interim government and authorities will take firm action.”

Shaykh Ahmadullah expresses deep concern

Islamic scholar Shaykh Ahmadullah wrote on his verified Facebook page in the afternoon: “We are deeply worried and saddened by the shooting of young politician and activist Sharif Osman Hadi. May Allah return him to us in good health.”

Mizanur Rahman Azhari questions security

Islamic speaker Maulana Mizanur Rahman Azhari posted at 3:53 pm: “In post-July Bangladesh, a July soldier himself has been shot. Where is the security for July soldiers? We do not want this aggressive and bloody politics.”

Nahid Islam's emotional post

National Citizens' Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam posted an emotional message on his verified Facebook page at 2:53 am: “Brother Hadi, we couldn't protect you. You stood for this country, and we failed you. In July, you risked your life for dignity and justice. And we couldn't unite the July generation – those brave, angry and hopeful youth who wanted a just state. We wasted time. We made political mistakes. And the people paid the price.”

He added: “In July, our brothers and sisters were killed. They didn't die for power, party or position. They were killed because they challenged fascism and believed Bangladesh could be different. We will not abandon July... Come back to us, brother. We are waiting. We may lose our lives, but we will not abandon July.”

Asif Mahmud turns victory procession into protest

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, who resigned from the government to contest Dhaka-10, turned his planned victory procession into a protest rally after hearing of the attack.

Chanting slogans like “Why was Hadi shot? We demand answers from the administration” and “Bullets hit Hadi, but lakhs of brothers stand ready”, the rally proceeded amid online criticism for initially planning a celebration.

Jamaat-e-Islami Amir visits hospital

Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman visited DMCH in the evening to enquire about Hadi's condition and prayed for his recovery.

Speaking to media, he said: “Targeting an independent MP candidate and July fighter the day after the election schedule is deeply alarming. Such incidents cannot be downplayed. The terrorists must be arrested immediately, and the forces behind this must be exposed to the nation.”

Hadi was shot by motorcycle-borne assailants in Bijoynagar's Box Culvert area during campaigning after Jummah prayers. Police are investigating. No arrests have been reported yet.