Zakir Hossain from Dhaka
Bangladesh’s major political parties on Saturday pledged unity after interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus warned of a deep-rooted conspiracy to derail the upcoming election, following the shooting of July uprising leader Sharif Osman Hadi.
Leaders of the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP) met Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna, a day after Hadi was shot in Dhaka. Hadi remains critical at Evercare Hospital.
Describing the attack as “highly symbolic”, Yunus said, “The conspirators have expanded their network. They have deployed trained shooters in the field. Their objective is to prevent the election.”
BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said, “Under no circumstances should we blame one another. Regardless of political differences, we must remain united in the interest of the nation and of July.”
Jamaat secretary general Mia Golam Parwar admitted recent political infighting had helped opponents, while NCP convener Nahid Islam warned of attempts to “normalise the Awami League and Jatiya Party” through media and institutional platforms.
Interim Law adviser Asif Nazrul cautioned that the Awami League began regaining strength as soon as divisions emerged among pro–July forces.
The parties also agreed to hold a joint all-party protest rally under the banner of Inqilab Moncho within the next two days, condemning the attack and warning against election sabotage.
Bangladesh announces bdt 5 million bounty to nab attacker of July movement leader Hadi
Bangladesh’s interim government on Saturday announced a Tk 5 million (Tk 50 lakh) reward for information leading to the arrest of Faisal Karim Masud alias Daud Khan, a former leader of the now-banned Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student wing of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, and the prime suspect in the gun attack on July movement leader and Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi.
Interim Home affairs adviser Lieutenant General (retired) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury made the announcement after an emergency meeting of the Law and Order Core Committee at the Secretariat, hours after Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) released the suspect’s photograph and sought public assistance.
Police said CCTV footage from the Inqilab Cultural Centre and the attack site identified Faisal as the prime suspect. Citizens were urged to contact 999, DC Motijheel (+8801320040080) or OC Paltan (+8801320040132). Informants’ identities will remain confidential.
Hadi, a prospective independent candidate from Dhaka-8, was shot in the head by motorcycle-borne assailants in broad daylight on December 12, a day after the election schedule was announced. He remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital with severe brain injuries.
Calling the attack an attempt to derail the upcoming election, Jahangir Alam said, “No one involved will be spared. Any attempt to obstruct the election will be dealt with firmly.” He announced the launch of Operation Devil Hunt Phase Two to crack down on what he termed “fascist terrorists” and recover illegal firearms.
Chief adviser Muhammad Yunus described the shooting as “one of the most alarming incidents” during the interim government’s tenure, calling it a planned assault on Bangladesh’s democratic journey.