Government Announces Tk 5 Million Reward for Information on Attempted Murder of Inqilab Mancha Spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi

Image: Hadi

The Government of Bangladesh has announced a reward of Tk 5 million for anyone providing information leading to the arrest of those involved in the attempted murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha and a potential independent candidate from Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

The announcement was made by Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday following a meeting of the Law and Order Core Committee held at the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Secretariat.

Image: Home Adviser

Speaking to journalists, the adviser urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and requested prayers for Sharif Osman Hadi’s recovery.

“Anyone who helps identify and arrest those responsible for the attack will be rewarded with Tk 5 million. We pray for his recovery and hope he will soon return among us with everyone’s prayers,” he said.

Investigation Underway, Assurances of Arrest

The Home Affairs Adviser confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and expressed optimism about the swift arrest of the perpetrators.

“The process of arresting the accused is underway. With public cooperation, we hope to apprehend them very soon,” he added.

He also addressed concerns regarding bail for accused individuals, stating,

“We arrest the suspects, but granting bail is within the court’s authority. We are continuing our efforts to bring them under the law.”

Security for Election Candidates and July Movement Activists

Highlighting security measures ahead of the national elections, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury assured that all candidates contesting the elections will be provided adequate security.

He further announced significant policy changes regarding firearm licenses:

“Previously, firearm licenses were issued only to government officials. Now, election candidates who feel threatened may also apply for firearm licenses. Any legally deposited weapons will be returned accordingly.”

He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of frontline activists of the July mass uprising, stating that special security measures are being implemented for them.

Image: DMP Commissioner

Shooter Identified: DMP Commissioner

Meanwhile, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali confirmed that one of the assailants has been identified.

Speaking after the annual general meeting of the Retired Police Officers’ Welfare Association at Rajarbagh on Saturday, he said:

“We have identified one individual who fired the shot. He will be arrested soon.”

However, he refrained from disclosing further details, citing the ongoing investigation. He also assured that security arrangements for election candidates are being strengthened.

In a separate press release, the DMP stated that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential, and suitable rewards will be provided for credible information.

Victim’s Medical Condition: Critical but Stable

Image: Osman Hadi

Sharif Osman Hadi, who sustained a gunshot wound to the head, is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital, Dhaka, where he remains under intensive care. Although his condition was initially critical, doctors now report that it has stabilized.

A medical board was formed on Saturday at 11:30 AM to oversee his treatment. The board is led by Professor Dr. Md. Jafar Iqbal, Senior Consultant and Head of the Critical Care Medicine Department at Evercare Hospital.

Other members of the board include:

• Professor Dr. M A Aziz, Senior Consultant

• Professor Dr. Aliuzzaman, Department of Neurosurgery

• Professor Dr. Md. Julfikar Haider, Senior Consultant, Thoracic Surgery

Dr. Abdul Ahad, a neurosurgeon from Dhaka Medical College Hospital involved in the initial treatment, said quoting Prof. Jafar Iqbal:

“His condition is stable for now. No new surgical intervention is planned at this stage. Medication and supportive treatment will continue.”

Timeline of the Attack

The incident occurred on Friday (December 12) shortly after Jumma prayers. Sharif Osman Hadi was returning to his destination in a battery-powered rickshaw along with another person when assailants on a motorcycle approached from behind and opened fire at close range in the Bijoynagar Box Culvert Road area of the capital.

According to eyewitnesses and CCTV footage, the bullet entered through the right side of his head and exited through the left, after which the attackers fled the scene at high speed.

He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital at 2:35 PM in critical condition. Later that evening, at the family’s decision, he was transferred to Evercare Hospital, where the ambulance arrived at 8:06 PM.

Possible Motive Still Unclear

The motive behind the attack remains unclear. However, investigators revealed that CCTV footage shows the shooter had been accompanying Hadi earlier in the day during election campaign activities, raising serious questions about insider involvement.

Law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause and identify all individuals involved in the attack.

The attempted assassination of Sharif Osman Hadi has sparked widespread concern over political violence and candidate security ahead of the national elections. The government’s announcement of a substantial reward, combined with assurances of enhanced security and an active investigation, reflects the seriousness of the incident.

As the victim continues his fight for recovery, authorities remain under pressure to swiftly deliver justice and restore public confidence in law and order.