Bangladesh Politician Sharif Osman Hadi Critically Injured in Dhaka Shooting

December 12, 2025

DHAKA, Dec 12, 2025 — A prominent activist‑turned‑politician, Sharif Osman Hadi, was critically injured in a shooting attack in the Bangladeshi capital on Friday afternoon. Hadi, who is also the spokesperson of the political platform Inquilab Moncho and a prospective independent candidate from the Dhaka‑8 constituency ahead of the upcoming elections, remains in critical condition at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Attack on Osman Hadi shows how insecure people’s lives are. That is absolutely a high value shooting. Probably the suspects are from banned BAL orgs and tried to frame it like “BNP vs Hadi” as BNP’s heavyweight leader Abbas is also MP candidate for Dhaka-8. My prayers for Hadi. pic.twitter.com/X2iKFZEwGB

— SAKIB | সাকিব 💙 (@bewithatiq) December 12, 2025

The incident took place around 2:25–2:30 p.m. when unidentified assailants riding two motorcycles opened fire at Hadi while he was riding in a rickshaw near Purana Paltan / Bijoynagar’s Box Culvert Road shortly after Jumma prayers. Hospital officials described his condition as “very alarming” and said he received bullet wounds to the head.

Details of the Attack and Response

Police and security forces quickly cordoned off the area following the shooting, and additional security was deployed at the hospital’s emergency department as Hadi underwent treatment. Army personnel were also seen stationed at the entrance of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, indicating the gravity of the situation and concern over broader unrest.

Law enforcement officers reported that the gunmen fled the scene immediately after firing. Police have launched an intensive search operation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, with detectives gathering evidence and eyewitness accounts from the site of the attack.

Political and Election Atmosphere

Hadi’s shooting has sent shockwaves through Bangladesh’s political environment, which is already tense ahead of the national elections scheduled for early 2026. His platform, Inquilab Moncho, has been active in recent political activism and campaigning, and Hadi’s candidacy for Dhaka‑8 had drawn attention from a broad coalition of supporters.

Political parties have condemned the attack. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) alleged that the shooting was part of a “sinister plot” designed to disrupt the electoral environment and spread fear among candidates and voters. The party called for nationwide demonstrations and the immediate arrest of the attackers.

Similarly, Islami Andolan Bangladesh described the shooting as a “grim warning” for the election, saying the incident underscores rising insecurity as political leaders prepare to campaign across the country.

Government Reaction and Appeal for Calm

Interim Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed “deep concern” over the attack, terming it “completely unacceptable” in an election period and harmful to Bangladesh’s political stability. Yunus instructed authorities to ensure Hadi receives the highest level of medical care and ordered security and law enforcement agencies to conduct a swift and comprehensive investigation. He emphasised that all acts of violence aimed at disrupting the electoral process must be fully prosecuted.

The Chief Adviser also appealed for calm and restraint from all political groups, urging citizens and activists to help ensure a peaceful and secure election season in the weeks ahead.

Broader Concerns About Political Violence

The shooting of Hadi adds to a backdrop of politically charged violence in Bangladesh, where opposition figures and activists have faced threats and attacks in recent years. Observers say the security environment for political candidates remains a serious concern as the country moves closer to national polls.