Tarique Rahman strongly denounces Osman Hadi's attack

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman condemned the shooting of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson and aspiring independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency Sharif Osman Hadi, who was critically injured after armed assailants opened fire on him in the capital's Paltan area last Friday.

"A bullet fired by an assailant severely injured Sharif Osman Hadi. I express my strong opposition and condemnation of this heinous incident," he said.

Tarique Rahman made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the sixth day of the BNP's seven-day programme titled 'Plan for Nation Building' at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) Convention Hall in the city.

At the same time, he urged everyone in the party, including the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), to cooperate with law enforcement so that a fair investigation could be conducted and the assailants identified.

He stated, "If the assailants' attack on Hadi is to be stopped, then we definitely need democracy. Democracy must be established."

Highlighting the country's current critical situation. Tarique Rahman advocated for national unity to combat the ongoing conspiracies.

"The incident involving Osman Hadi today demonstrates that those who seek to undermine the country's independence, sovereignty, and stability have begun their conspiracy," he stated.

He urged everyone to avoid causing confusion and to resist injustice at all costs. He emphasised the importance of citizens remaining vigilant and active in regaining their lost democratic rights.

During his speech, the acting chairman also stated that the eight issues discussed with JCD leaders in recent days comprise the BNP's roadmap for future national development.

The eight issues are women's empowerment and the family card scheme, digital transformation in education – 'One Tab, One Teacher', employment and IT facilities: support for content creators and free Wi-Fi, creating IT workspaces for young entrepreneurs, overseas employment: a focus on skills and language, healthcare and prevention: appointing one lakh health workers, and public-private partnership in health services.