Unrest in Bangladesh: Security Clampdown Following Shooting of Political Candidate

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has requested heightened security measures for its officials amid escalating unrest following the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, a candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12, 2026. Hadi, a leader of the right-wing cultural group Inquilab Mancha and a prominent figure in last year's July Uprising, was critically injured on December 12, 2025, during his election campaign in Dhaka. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of political candidates and the overall law and order situation in the country.

The HinduThe Hindu

In response to the unrest, the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has initiated a nationwide security operation dubbed 'Operation Devil Hunt 2.' This operation aims to enhance public safety and combat the rising threat of illegal arms. Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced that the government would issue firearms licenses to election candidates for their protection. The operation follows a previous phase launched in February 2025, targeting alleged supporters of the disbanded Awami League party, which was ousted during the July Uprising.

The HinduThe Hindu

Hadi was shot in the head by assailants while campaigning in the Bijoynagar area of Dhaka. He was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital before being transferred to Evercare Hospital, where his condition remains critical but stable. The police have identified one of the suspects, Faisal Karim Masud, and have offered a reward for information leading to his arrest. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the assailants were familiar with Hadi, raising questions about the motives behind the attack.

The Hindu

The shooting has prompted strong reactions from various political factions. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has demanded immediate security for all candidates and accountability for the attack on Hadi. Additionally, the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Jamaat-e-Islami have condemned the violence, with NCP leaders vowing to prevent any resurgence of the Awami League, which they associate with past authoritarianism.

The Hindu

The unrest and violence surrounding the upcoming elections pose significant challenges for the interim government and the electoral process. The EC's request for enhanced security reflects the urgent need to protect electoral integrity and ensure the safety of candidates. As the situation develops, the government's ability to maintain order and facilitate a fair election will be closely scrutinized.

The Hindu

• “We demand that the real culprit be identified immediately and brought under the law, and we call upon this government to ensure the security of all candidates without delay,” — Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Secretary General

The Hindu

• “The whole country is praying for him, and everyone is trying to ensure that he receives the best medical care,” — Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser

The Hindu

While the police have identified Faisal Karim Masud as a suspect, details regarding the motives behind the attack remain unclear. Additionally, the extent of the government's security measures and their effectiveness in preventing further violence is yet to be evaluated.

The Hindu