Bangladesh’s interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus ordered a nationwide security clampdown after fresh unrest erupted following the shooting of a right‑wing cultural group’s youth leader. Inquilab Mancha leader Sharif Osmann Hadi, who is also an independent candidate in the scheduled Feb. 12 general elections, was shot Friday while beginning his campaign in Bijoynagar, central Dhaka. Doctors said his condition is critical.
Home Adviser Chowdhury announced a reward of Taka 50 lakh ($40,985.81) for information leading to the arrest of one suspect. Police released pictures identifying a suspect as Faisal Karim Masud, one of three motorcycle‑borne assailants who allegedly shot Hadi in the head at close range. Reports quoting Hadi’s associates said the assailants were acquainted with him and had been accompanying him since Friday morning, a day after the election commission announced the poll schedule.
Hadi was first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and was later shifted overnight to Evercare Hospital. DMCH director Brigadier General Mohammad Asaduzzaman said Hadi was on life support and in critical condition. Evercare doctors said his state “remains static” but “not out of danger,” and the medical board preferred medical and supportive treatment over immediate surgery. Chief Adviser Yunus ordered a manhunt for the suspects and met Hadi’s family, assuring them of full support for his treatment.
