Bangladesh orders security clampdown amid fresh unrest across country

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus-led interim government on Saturday ordered a nationwide security clampdown as fresh unrest gripped the country following the shooting of a right-wing cultural group’s youth leader.

Inquilab Mancha leader Sharif Osmann Hadi, also a candidate in the scheduled February 12 general elections, was shot on Friday as he initiated his election campaign at central Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area.

According to doctors, his condition is very critical.

Home Adviser Chowdhury announced a reward of Taka 50 lakh ($40,985.81) for information leading to the arrest of one of the suspects who shot Hadi. Meanwhile, the police issued the suspect’s pictures, identifying him as Faisal Karim Masud. He was one of the three motorcycle-borne assailants who shot Hadi in the head from close range in Bijoynagar, where the youth leader is contesting as an Independent candidate.

Newspaper reports quoting Hadi’s associates said the assailants were acquainted with him and had accompanied him since Friday morning, a day after the election commission announced the poll schedule. Hadi was initially rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) following the shooting, from where he was shifted overnight to the specialised Evercare Hospital.

“His (Hadi’s) condition is critical. He has been provided a life support system,” DMCH irector Brigadier General Mohammad Asaduzzaman told reporters earlier. Doctors at Evercare said on Saturday that Hadi’s condition “remains static” but “not out of danger”, while the medical board formed for him preferred not to perform any surgery immediately, relying on medication and supportive treatment for now. Chief Adviser Yunus ordered a manhunt for the suspects, and on Saturday met Hadi’s family members, assuring them of all support for his treatment.