Inquilab Mancha spokesperson and independent election candidate Sharif Osman bin Hadi was shot in the head in a blatant daylight attack in a startling occurrence that has rocked Bangladesh’s political scene. The activist, known for his strong political views, was ambushed in Dhaka on Friday afternoon and remains in critical condition on life support, as police launch a manhunt for a prime suspect.
Who Shot Osman Hadi?
Law enforcement agencies have moved quickly, identifying a prime suspect based on CCTV footage from the area. Police are searching for Faisal Karim Masud, also known as Daud Khan. Investigative reports reveal that the suspect was previously arrested on charges of armed robbery and illegal firearms possession but was out on bail at the time of the shooting. Serious concerns have been expressed over the legal system and how someone with such a background could purportedly carry out a political assassination attempt.
What Exactly Happened During the Attack?
The attack was swift and targeted. On Friday, December 12, shortly after 2:25 PM following Jummah prayers, Hadi was traveling in an e-rickshaw with his brother in the Bijoynagar area. According to reports, two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle pulled alongside. The pillion rider then opened fire at close range, with the bullet entering near Hadi’s left ear. The assailants fled immediately. Hadi was rushed first to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Evercare Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. Doctors state the bullet remains lodged in his head and he has lost a significant amount of blood.
Who is Osman Hadi and What Did He Stand For?
One well-known and contentious political figure was Sharif Osman Hadi. He became well-known as a crucial voice during the 2024 anti-discrimination demonstrations. He is the son of a madrasa teacher and a former student at Dhaka University. As the spokesperson for Inquilab Mancha—an alliance of Islamist-leaning groups advocating for political change—Hadi was a vocal critic. He was fiercely critical of both the ruling Awami League and the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), while also making strong anti-India statements. He was an aspiring independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming national elections.
What is the Potential Motive Behind the Shooting?
The timing is strange, but the motivation is still being investigated. Only a few hours after Hadi uploaded a contentious map to his Facebook site, the shooting took place. The map’s bold depiction of a “Greater Bangladesh” that incorporated portions of eastern India sparked controversy and swift response. In addition, Hadi claimed in public that she had received death threats as recently as November 2024. He claimed in a Facebook post at the time that he had received threatening calls and texts from at least thirty international numbers, which he attributed to “Awami League killers,” threatening to kill him and injure his family.
Key Immediate FAQs:
Q: What is Osman Hadi’s current condition?
A: He is in critical condition on life support. The bullet is still inside his head, and he has undergone emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.
Q: Who is the main suspect?
A: Police have identified Faisal Karim Masud alias Daud Khan as the prime suspect and have launched a manhunt, offering a reward for information.
Q: What is Inquilab Mancha?
A: It is an alliance of smaller, often Islamist-leaning political groups in Bangladesh that advocates for a state based on Islamic and nationalist principles and political change.
Q: Did Hadi anticipate this attack?
A: Yes, he had publicly stated in November 2024 that he was receiving death threats, which he attributed to political opponents.
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