Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the July Uprising–based platform Inqilab Mancha and an independent candidate for Dhaka-8, was transferred from Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) to Evercare Hospital on Friday evening after being shot in Bijoynagar earlier in the day.
DMCH Director Brigadier General Md Asaduzzaman confirmed the transfer, saying it was carried out at the request of Hadi’s family. “He has a bullet wound to the head, and there are also injuries to his chest and legs. We performed primary surgery at Dhaka Medical College. Although the bullet has been removed, his condition remains critical,” he said.
According to police, Hadi was travelling by rickshaw in the Kalvert Road area when two men on a motorcycle approached and opened fire around 2:25pm. He was rushed to DMCH at approximately 2:35pm in a critically injured state.
Earlier, Hadi had announced plans to contest the upcoming national election as an independent candidate from Dhaka-8.
Motijheel Division Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Harun Or Rashid said preliminary findings indicate the attackers fled immediately after shooting Hadi at close range. “We have launched an operation to track down the attackers. Multiple teams are working,” he said.
CCTV footage from nearby buildings, now circulating on social media, shows the assailants trailing Hadi’s battery-powered auto-rickshaw before the pillion rider fires at him from point-blank range.
Another clip captures gunshots ringing out around 2:20pm, followed by a motorcycle speeding away as pedestrians scatter.
Dr Moshtak Ahmed, residential surgeon of DMCH’s emergency department, said Hadi arrived in critical condition with a gunshot wound near the ear. “He received CPR, and although his blood pressure stabilised slightly, his condition remains extremely grave,” he said.
The attack triggered immediate reactions in the capital. July uprising activists gathered in front of DMCH, demanding the swift arrest and maximum punishment of the assailants.
Chief Adviser to the interim government Muhammad Yunus expressed deep concern over the attack and instructed authorities to identify and bring all those involved to justice.
In response, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) launched a citywide combing operation. DMP Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali said special instructions were issued to all eight divisions to set up checkpoints and conduct intensive searches. “Wherever the terrorists are hiding, they will be found and brought under the law,” he said, adding that police, detectives, RAB, and other agencies are working jointly.
Detective Branch officials said several teams are already in the field with advanced technology to expedite the arrests. The shooting site has been cordoned off, and law enforcement agencies are collecting CCTV footage from surrounding areas as part of the investigation.
Hadi’s transfer to Evercare Hospital came hours after the attack as doctors continued efforts to stabilize him. As of Friday night, his condition remained critical.
