BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman said he was “deeply shocked” by the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha, and called for the immediate arrest of those responsible and their exemplary punishment. In a written statement issued on Thursday night, Tarique alleged that “conspirators” were seeking to destabilise the country, using killings in an attempt to derail the upcoming national election. “Sharif Osman Hadi died in Singapore after being shot and seriously injured by those who are enemies of democracy and the country. This is a conspiratorial political assassination,” he said. 

He added that the BNP was watching “with concern” what he described as systematic killings and injuries carried out by “rogue groups” across the country, saying: “This bloodshed is intended to implement some far-reaching blueprint.”

Tarique said that after what he called the fall of the Awami League’s “authoritarian regime” following a mass uprising, “conspiring criminals” were once again shedding blood to establish a dictatorship. 

He said the attack on Hadi exposed what he described as an intent to destroy democracy and thwart voting and elections.

He warned that unless those responsible were dealt with firmly, public safety and property would be at risk. 

“The conspirators are waiting for a chance to create chaos in the country and take advantage of it. All must unite to resist these bloodthirsty terrorists,” he added.

In a Facebook post, Tarique Rahman condemned what he described as the murder of a dedicated young politician and again called for the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the perpetrators. 

He prayed for forgiveness on behalf of Hadi and extended his condolences to his family and relatives. 

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, in a separate statement, also expressed deep shock at Hadi’s death.

Hadi, one of the leaders of the July Uprising—was shot and critically injured on Box Culvert Road in Dhaka’s Paltan area on December 12. 

He sustained bullet injuries to the head and was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he underwent surgery, before being transferred later that night to Evercare Hospital Dhaka. 

He was later flown by air ambulance to Singapore and admitted to Singapore General Hospital on Monday. He died on Thursday night while undergoing treatment there. 

Hadi was also a prospective independent candidate for the upcoming national election from the Dhaka-8 constituency.