Gun Attack on Potential Candidate Sparks Fresh Concerns Over Election-Time Law and Order

Gun Attack on Potential Candidate Sparks Fresh Concerns Over Election-Time Law and Order

Following the announcement of the national election schedule, a daylight shooting incident targeting a potential candidate in the capital has raised fresh concerns about the law and order situation during the election period. Political parties say such incidents are heightening anxiety over electoral security, stressing that it is the responsibility of the government and the Election Commission to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election environment.

The attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate from Dhaka-8 constituency and convener of the Inqilab Manch, has drawn widespread concern. Political actors have stated that the incident cannot be treated as an isolated or ordinary crime; rather, it poses a serious threat to the integrity of the electoral process and could create fear among voters.

Law enforcement officials have noted that while shooting incidents occurred during election campaigns in Chattogram and Pabna, the attack on Hadi appears to be of a different nature. On November 5, BNP-nominated candidate for Chattogram-8, Ershad Ullah, was injured during a campaign event, and one person was killed in that incident. Later, clashes and gunfire took place during campaign activities of Jamaat candidate Abu Taleb Mondol in Pabna-4 constituency.

According to government sources, such attacks may be aimed at destabilizing the election environment. Multiple senior law enforcement officials have said that certain groups had earlier issued threats to obstruct the election, which may have culminated in incidents like the shooting of Hadi. The Chief Adviser of the interim government has stated that violence intended to disrupt the election will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

He urged the public and all political stakeholders to maintain calm and assured that those responsible would be brought to justice. He also called on citizens to exercise restraint to help ensure a peaceful and participatory election.

Senior law enforcement officials have long expressed concern over threats issued by certain groups hinting at election obstruction. Announcements were reportedly made warning of vote disruption if these groups did not participate in the election. Investigators believe the shooting of Osman Hadi may be a continuation of such efforts.

A senior police source said that the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and other relevant units are jointly investigating the incident. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has also launched operations to identify the attackers, focusing on uncovering the motive and those involved.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, reacting to the shooting, said the country is facing a deep crisis. He alleged that a group or faction is conspiring to undermine peace and stability, describing the attack as part of that broader conspiracy.

Concerns have also resurfaced over the proliferation of illegal firearms. During the mass uprising in July, allegations emerged of illegal weapons being used against students and civilians. Many suspects linked to those incidents were not arrested, and most of the weapons involved have yet to be recovered.

The issue of large quantities of police weapons being looted has further heightened fears that such arms may have fallen into the hands of criminals. The shooting took place in the capital’s Bijoynagar area, which has a history of political violence. Past incidents in and around Paltan include attacks on political figures, such as the killing of Awami League leader Tipu in Shahjahanpur.

Although names of underworld criminals have surfaced in connection with such incidents, allegations have also been raised against certain leaders of the Awami League and its youth wing. Since the July movement, law enforcement agencies have made limited progress in arresting notorious criminals. Despite public allegations of links between political leaders and the underworld, no major arrests have been made so far.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman commented that the attack on Hadi demonstrates the widespread availability of illegal firearms among criminals. He called for the immediate recovery of illegal weapons and the arrest of armed groups to ensure a credible election, warning that any laxity would cast serious doubt on electoral transparency.

Amid the evolving situation, police are revising their security strategy. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam said certain forces may attempt to spread fear ahead of the election. Taking this into account, enhanced security measures have been adopted, and intelligence surveillance has been intensified.

He added that the investigation into the shooting of Osman Hadi is being treated with utmost importance in light of concerns raised by political parties and candidates. Measures to strengthen personal security for candidates feeling unsafe are also under consideration. In addition to nighttime security, daytime security arrangements are being restructured.

“Keeping in mind the possibility that election-opposing fugitive groups may attempt to create panic, we have taken all necessary security preparations. Intelligence surveillance has also been increased to deal with any emerging situation,” IGP Baharul Alam said.