Sharif Osman Hadi Shot, Military Deployed at Dhaka Hospital

Sharif Osman Hadi, a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha, was shot while preparing for election campaigning. The incident occurred on Friday, 12 December, shortly after Jumma prayers in the Box Culvert Road area of Bijoynagar, when assailants opened fire at him. Critically injured, Hadi was rushed at 2:35 pm to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College (Dhaka Medical College Hospital – Dhaka Medical), where he is currently admitted to the One Stop Crisis Centre (OSEC) in the emergency wing.

In response to the attack, security at Dhaka Medical College Hospital has been significantly increased. Additional police personnel have been deployed, alongside four platoons of military personnel stationed at key access points, including the entrance to the emergency department. On Friday afternoon, these heightened security measures were visible, with multiple military vehicles entering the hospital premises shortly before 4:00 pm, complementing an already substantial police presence.

Dr Mustak Ahmed, resident surgeon at the hospital’s emergency department, stated that Hadi’s condition was extremely critical upon arrival. He required CPR due to the severity of his injuries, which included a bullet lodged in his head and additional trauma around his ear. According to the hospital director’s office, Hadi is now on life support due to his critical condition.

When contacted, Brigadier General Md. Asaduzzaman, Director of Dhaka Medical College, confirmed that Hadi remains in a life-threatening state and continues to be on life support.

Earlier, Muhammad Talebur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of Media and Public Relations at Dhaka Metropolitan Police, told the media that around 2:25 pm, immediately after Jumma prayers, two assailants on a motorcycle opened fire at Hadi in the Box Culvert area of Bijoynagar and then fled the scene.

Following the attack, hospital authorities and security agencies intensified their vigilance. Medical staff continue to closely monitor Hadi’s condition, and his family remains at the hospital, anxiously awaiting updates. Despite continuous medical attention, the situation remains serious. The incident has generated widespread concern among political circles and the general public, highlighting the persistent security risks faced by political figures during the election campaign period. Authorities are working to ensure both the safety of other candidates and the thorough investigation of the attack.