Bangladesh Tightens Security After Shooting of Election Candidate in Dhaka

Bangladesh authorities have launched a renewed nationwide security crackdown following the shooting of a youth leader and election candidate during a campaign event in the capital, officials said on Saturday.

Sharif Osmann Hadi was critically injured on Friday after being shot in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area while addressing supporters. Hadi is a prominent youth figure and a candidate in the upcoming national elections. Medical officials said his condition remains serious.

The government said the latest measures aim to prevent further violence and restore public order amid rising political tensions ahead of the February 12 general election.

Home Affairs adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced the start of the second phase of a security operation known as “Operation Devil Hunt” during a press briefing in Dhaka. He said the operation would focus on dismantling armed groups and seizing illegal weapons to ensure public safety.

Authorities have released the photograph of a suspected attacker identified as Faisal Karim Masud and announced a reward of 5 million taka for information leading to his arrest. Investigations into the motive behind the shooting are ongoing, police said.

Operation Devil Hunt was first introduced earlier this year following violent protests and attacks linked to political unrest. The latest phase is expected to involve expanded patrols, increased checkpoints, and intensified monitoring in high-risk areas, particularly in Dhaka and other major cities.

Hadi is the chief of Inquilab Mancha, a political platform that has openly called for the dissolution of the now-disbanded Awami League. Security officials said no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

The shooting has heightened anxiety among voters and political activists in the capital. Residents in central Dhaka said they fear further violence as campaigning intensifies. Several independent candidates have reportedly requested additional police protection.

Political analysts say the crackdown could significantly affect campaign activities in the coming weeks, with some parties likely to scale back public gatherings to avoid clashes or arrests.

The government said the enhanced security measures will remain in force until authorities determine that the situation has stabilized.