"Brother Hadi, VIP protocol before even becoming MP? You beat everyone this way?"

Dr Mahmuda Mitu, joint chief organiser of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), has posted an emotional tribute to independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency and Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, who was shot on Friday (12 December).

In her verified Facebook post on Saturday (13 December), Dr Mitu wrote: “Hadi is still on assisted ventilation – meaning he is not breathing independently. He is trying to breathe, and the machine is supporting it. I left home at 2:44 am, caught a battery rickshaw in a second. There was not even an inch of traffic, yet Malibag to Dhaka Medical felt like a thousand miles – the road seemed endless. From then on, I was with Hadi. When I arrived, cardiac arrest had already occurred; regular pulse wasn't returning even after CPR. Pupils were dilated.

Then Jahid Sir, Ahad and teams from neurology, ENT, thoracic all came, OT happened – a lot in between. As soon as they opened one side of Hadi's skull for decompression, spontaneous breathing started. The brain was tight from internal bleeding pressure. I don't feel like writing more. Perhaps I shouldn't.

(From yesterday, hundreds have called for updates.) Then Hadi was being taken to Evercare with full protocol. I was in the front car with Ahad and Zara Salman, ambulance behind. I can't explain how I felt in that moment. Zara kept trying to hug me, but in my mind I kept saying: 'Hey brother, VIP protocol before even becoming MP? You beat everyone this way?'

Hadi, look – they are clearing roads for you so there's not a second of jam. Hadi, you are bigger than any MP or minister. When roads are cleared for VIPs, people curse – but for you, thousands are ready to stay in traffic for hours with smiles.

The 'Allahu Akbar' chants from both sides of the hospital when the ambulance left... I don't know what I'm writing; my world has gone dark. We met on 24 November – such affection for Mitu Apu. That day I was buying food for Nannu Bhai; why didn't I feed you two momos? Why are we always in such a hurry? I whispered something in your ear. My husband wanted to send you money – why didn't we? Why this rush?

Little girls at school saw Hadi and the younger one said, 'When I grow up, I'll vote for Hadi' – I never told you. Why do we only feel love when someone is dying? Why don't we remember none of us are here forever? Your profile picture has darkened my entire world. Allah, my strength is gone... A bullet pierced Bangladesh's red flag. I may never stand straight again. There were so many food stalls nearby – why do I remember now? Why didn't I treat you to something? You uploaded the photo again when you got home... My head isn't working anymore.”

Background Hadi was shot during campaigning in Bijoynagar, Paltan, on Friday afternoon. He underwent surgery at DMCH and was transferred to Evercare Hospital around 7:30 pm. He remains in critical condition on life support, with bullet fragments in his brain.

The post has evoked strong emotional responses online, reflecting widespread concern for Hadi's recovery. Police have identified suspects and intensified operations.