Saturday, 13 December, 2025
Police have initiated an “all-out” nationwide operation following the attack on Sharif Osman bin Hadi, convenor of Inquilab Mancha, in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area shortly after Jummah prayers on Friday.
Inspector General of Police Md Baharul Alam confirmed the decision during a phone call with bdnews24.com on Friday night, describing the assault as an attempt by “those seeking to cast a negative influence” over the upcoming election.
Asked about progress in the investigation into the attempted murder, the IGP said: “We are not discussing progress at this moment; we are working, and we will not fail.”
Brushing aside suggestions that the attack could disrupt politics or the general election, he added: “Our focus is on identifying the attackers and those behind them. We will uncover them.”
When questioned further, he indicated that the assailants were “those who want to impede the election or create uncertainty around it” and stressed that police were treating the matter with “utmost seriousness.”
Confirming the start of the nationwide crackdown, he said: “We will move with an all-out operation against every form of terrorist activity. Throughout the night, such operations will be conducted across the country.”
The IGP also confirmed that candidates or potential candidates deemed vulnerable would be provided with additional protection. Explaining the security measures, he said: “We will follow the same system that has been in place for the past 20 to 50 years. Armed guards will accompany them. Intelligence agencies will assess vulnerabilities and alert candidates on which areas to avoid and other precautions.”
He concluded firmly: “We are not afraid, nor will we step back.”
The attack came less than a day after Bangladesh unveiled its election schedule, targeting a well-known figure of the July Uprising and the Awami League ban movement, who had announced his candidacy as an independent for the Dhaka-8 constituency.
The shooting has reignited grim questions about the breakdown of law and order following the 2024 political upheavals, heightening fears for the safety of candidates and voters as the country approaches the polls.
Political parties had previously voiced concerns about security in the lead-up to the elections, fears that analysts say were brutally confirmed by the attempt on Hadi’s life.
Inquilab Mancha has refused to rule out any party from suspicion, including Hadi’s election rivals and the ousted Awami League. The platform has given the interim government a 24-hour deadline to apprehend those responsible.
Speaking at a press conference outside Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara Residential Area on Friday night, Inquilab Mancha’s Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, alongside DUCSU leader Fatima Tasnim Jhuma, outlined the platform’s stance.
Blaming the government, Jaber said: “An administration that cannot protect Osman Hadi cannot protect Bangladesh. God forbid, if anything happens to him, the interim government will bear responsibility.”
When asked whether they suspected anyone, he added: “We are not looking at anyone with suspicion, nor are we excluding anyone.”
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Police have initiated an “all-out” nationwide operation following the attack on Sharif Osman bin Hadi, convenor of Inquilab Mancha, in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area shortly after Jummah prayers on Friday.
Inspector General of Police Md Baharul Alam confirmed the decision during a phone call with bdnews24.com on Friday night, describing the assault as an attempt by “those seeking to cast a negative influence” over the upcoming election.
Asked about progress in the investigation into the attempted murder, the IGP said: “We are not discussing progress at this moment; we are working, and we will not fail.”
Brushing aside suggestions that the attack could disrupt politics or the general election, he added: “Our focus is on identifying the attackers and those behind them. We will uncover them.”
When questioned further, he indicated that the assailants were “those who want to impede the election or create uncertainty around it” and stressed that police were treating the matter with “utmost seriousness.”
Confirming the start of the nationwide crackdown, he said: “We will move with an all-out operation against every form of terrorist activity. Throughout the night, such operations will be conducted across the country.”
The IGP also confirmed that candidates or potential candidates deemed vulnerable would be provided with additional protection. Explaining the security measures, he said: “We will follow the same system that has been in place for the past 20 to 50 years. Armed guards will accompany them. Intelligence agencies will assess vulnerabilities and alert candidates on which areas to avoid and other precautions.”
He concluded firmly: “We are not afraid, nor will we step back.”
The attack came less than a day after Bangladesh unveiled its election schedule, targeting a well-known figure of the July Uprising and the Awami League ban movement, who had announced his candidacy as an independent for the Dhaka-8 constituency.
The shooting has reignited grim questions about the breakdown of law and order following the 2024 political upheavals, heightening fears for the safety of candidates and voters as the country approaches the polls.
Political parties had previously voiced concerns about security in the lead-up to the elections, fears that analysts say were brutally confirmed by the attempt on Hadi’s life.
Inquilab Mancha has refused to rule out any party from suspicion, including Hadi’s election rivals and the ousted Awami League. The platform has given the interim government a 24-hour deadline to apprehend those responsible.
Speaking at a press conference outside Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara Residential Area on Friday night, Inquilab Mancha’s Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, alongside DUCSU leader Fatima Tasnim Jhuma, outlined the platform’s stance.
Blaming the government, Jaber said: “An administration that cannot protect Osman Hadi cannot protect Bangladesh. God forbid, if anything happens to him, the interim government will bear responsibility.”
When asked whether they suspected anyone, he added: “We are not looking at anyone with suspicion, nor are we excluding anyone.”
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