Political activists demand accountability, calling attempted assassination of Hadi a threat to Bangladesh's sovereignty

Political parties and organisations across the country today (15 December) demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attempted assassination of Inquilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, rejecting claims that the shooting was an "isolated incident."

Speaking at an all-party resistance rally at Dhaka's Central Shaheed Minar, protesters described the attack as a calculated attempt to undermine Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said, "Osman Hadi is not just an individual, nor merely the spokesperson of Inquilab Manch; he is a symbol of the unity of the people against Indian hegemonism. He embodies the fearless spirit of protecting Bangladesh's independence, nationhood, and integrity." Rejecting the Chief Election Commissioner's remarks, he added, "An MP candidate and leader of the people's movement was shot in broad daylight a day after the schedule was announced. This can never be an isolated incident."

NCP Convener Nahid Islam said, "July revolution activists and the families of martyrs have been targeted. The judicial system has failed. The Home Affairs Adviser cannot evade responsibility; morally, he has no right to remain in his position."

Speakers pointed to intelligence failures, noting that Hadi had warned of threats but received no protection, and demanded the immediate arrest of all armed individuals already listed by police.

Emphasising unity, NCP leader Akhtar Hossen said, "We will not hand over Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty to India's agents. Abu Said has died, Sharif Osman Hadi has been shot, but our resistance cannot be silenced by fear."

Revolutionary Workers' Party General Secretary Saiful Haque called the attack a "cold-blooded, planned assassination attempt," demanding the Home Affairs Adviser's resignation within 24–48 hours and withdrawal of the CEC's comment.

Labour Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman said resistance against fascism had once again united diverse political forces, while Ganadhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan declared, "One Hadi today has given birth to thousands — fear is not our path; resistance is."

NCP North Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam warned of consequences for Bangladesh–India relations if suspects are sheltered abroad, while AB Party General Secretary Barrister Fuad said combating "the politics of narratives" was essential to protect the July uprising.

Former adviser Mahfuj Alam cautioned that continued restraint should not be mistaken for weakness, warning that attempts to externalise political struggles could push the resistance beyond borders.

Other speakers at the rally included United Peoples' Bangladesh convener Ali Ahsan Junayed, Ducsu member Fatima Tasnim, theatre artist Asaduzzaman Asad, and poet-philosopher Farhad Mojhar, alongside representatives from various student, political, and social organisations.