Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has ordered a nationwide security clampdown after fresh unrest following the shooting of a right‑wing cultural group’s youth leader.
Sharif Osmann Hadi, leader of Inquilab Mancha and an independent candidate in the Feb. 12 general election, was shot Friday as he began campaigning in Bijoynagar in central Dhaka. Doctors say Hadi’s condition is critical.
Home Adviser Chowdhury announced a reward of Taka 50 lakh (about $40,986) for information leading to the arrest of a suspect. Police released images identifying one suspect as Faisal Karim Masud, and said three motorcycle‑borne assailants allegedly fired on Hadi at close range.
Associates of Hadi told reporters the attackers appeared to be acquainted with him and had been moving with him since Friday morning, a day after the election commission released the poll schedule.
Hadi was initially taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and later transferred overnight to Evercare Hospital. DMCH director Brigadier General Mohammad Asaduzzaman said Hadi was on life support and in critical condition. Evercare doctors described his state as “static” but warned he was not out of danger; the hospital’s medical board favored medical and supportive treatment over immediate surgery.
Chief Adviser Yunus ordered a manhunt for those responsible and met with Hadi’s family, promising full government support for his treatment. Security forces are conducting operations as tensions around the upcoming election remain high.
