Three days after the shocking daylight assassination attempt on Sharif Osman Hadi, the prominent July Revolution leader and independent Dhaka-8 candidate, there are no arrests in sight despite an intensive nationwide manhunt and a Tk50 lakh government reward. Hadi, 32, continues to fight for his life in “extremely critical” condition at Evercare Hospital, with doctors describing his state as static but fragile during the pivotal 72-hour observation period.
A 14-member medical board, led by Critical Care Medicine Head Dr Md Zafar Iqbal, provided the latest update Sunday morning: Hadi remains on ventilator support, with preventive protocols in place to avert complications like lung infections. “His condition is unchanged—vital signs are being closely monitored, but he is not out of danger,” a hospital spokesperson said. The bullet caused massive brain trauma, with fragments still lodged despite emergency surgery at Dhaka Medical College Hospital immediately after the December 12 attack.
Law enforcement sources confirmed intensified raids across Dhaka and bordering areas, focusing on prime suspect Faisal Karim Masud (alias Daud Khan or Rahul), a former Chhatra League leader accused of pulling the trigger. Unverified reports circulating on social media and some outlets claim Masud and his alleged motorcycle accomplice, Mohammad Alamgir Sheikh (or Alamgir Hossain), may have fled to India shortly after the shooting. Authorities have neither confirmed nor denied these claims, but border security has been heightened as part of the ongoing operation.
Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury reiterated the government’s resolve, stating the second phase of “Operation Devil Hunt”—a crackdown on illegal arms and criminal networks—will continue until the perpetrators are captured. “This attack threatens the core of our democratic transition; we will leave no stone unturned,” he said.
The incident has fueled widespread speculation and cross-border tensions, with some linking it to Hadi’s outspoken activism. Hours before the attack, Hadi reportedly shared controversial content online, including references to regional maps, amplifying debates over motives. Political figures from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and student groups have condemned the shooting as a “deep conspiracy” to destabilize the February 12, 2026, elections.
Protests persisted on university campuses Sunday, with calls for enhanced candidate protection. Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, who visited Hadi’s family Saturday, assured full support for his treatment and vowed justice. Meanwhile, a reported burglary at Hadi’s family home in Jhalokathi added to concerns of targeted intimidation.
As Bangladesh marks Martyred Intellectuals Day today—commemorating sacrifices from the 1971 Liberation War—the nation reflects on ongoing threats to its voices of change. Hadi, a symbol of the 2024 youth uprising, embodies that struggle; his survival and the capture of his attackers now test the interim government’s commitment to a secure, reformed future.
Sources: The Daily Star, Dhaka Tribune, The Business Standard, Prothom Alo, The Hindu, and updates from official statements and verified social media reports.
