The gun attack on Dhaka-8 independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi, also spokesperson for Inquilab Manch, has sparked strong protests and condemnation from major political parties.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens Party (NCP) along with many other parties and organisations have strongly condemned the attack. The shooting occurred just a day after the announcement of the election schedule by the interim government, raising concerns about the law and order situation leading up to the upcoming election.
BNP has called for a nationwide protest today (Saturday) in response to the shooting of Hadi, who is currently on life support in a city hospital.
The party is also protesting the attack on a BNP aspirant for Chattogram-8 Jatiya Sangsad seat and port city BNP convener Ershad Ullah last month, demanding an investigation and punishment for the culprits.
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman stated that the attack on Hadi is not just an individual target but an arrogant attempt to disrupt peace and stability of the country.
He made these remarks while virtually addressing a seminar organised by the party in the city on Friday.
Tarique Rahman condemned the attack, stating, "It is a very unfortunate event that Hadi was shot. This follows a previous incident where a BNP candidate was shot with the intent to kill. All supporters of democracy should strongly denounce and protest against such acts."
He criticised the Awami League, accusing its leaders of openly threatening to prevent elections in the country and attempting to disrupt peace and order.
Tarique Rahman called for unity among all parties, people, and individuals who believe in democracy and oppose fascism to protect the country's existence and sovereignty.
The National Citizens Party (NCP) also strongly condemned the attack on Hadi, calling it a direct blow to democratic progress. They wished Hadi a speedy recovery and asked for prayers from the countrymen.
Various platforms involved in the July Uprising began protesting at Shahbagh intersection on Friday afternoon, demanding the arrest of those involved in the attack within 24 hours.
They blamed 'fascist forces' for the incident and expressed anger over the attack on a 'July Activist' in broad daylight.
Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) strongly condemned the shooting of Hadi.
In a statement, the party's Joint Secretary General and spokesperson Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman described the incident as alarming, especially with the national election approaching.
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