Staff Reporter:
Sada Dal, an organisation of Bangladeshi nationalist teachers at Dhaka University (DU), has condemned the shooting of Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inqilab Moncho and a July fighter, and demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the attack.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by DU Sada Dal Convener Prof Md Morshed Hasan Khan and Joint Conveners Prof Abdus Salam and Prof Md Abul Kalam Sarkar, the organisation expressed deep concern and anger over what it described as a barbaric attack on a pro-democracy political activist.
The leaders said the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi on Culvert Road in Purana Paltan- one of the busiest areas of the capital- around 2:20pm after Friday prayers was a direct assault on free speech and the broader democratic movement.
They noted that such a cowardly attack exposes the extreme vulnerability faced by individuals holding differing political views.
According to the statement, the attack not only targeted Hadi personally but also struck at the constitutional right to engage in peaceful political activities.
The incident, taking place in broad daylight, reflects a severe deterioration in the law and order situation across the country, the leaders added.
Sada Dal urged the authorities to swiftly identify both the masterminds and the direct perpetrators and bring them to justice through an impartial and fair investigation. They stressed that exemplary punishment is essential to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The organisation also called on the government to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the safety of political and dissenting activists at all levels.
Sada Dal reiterated its belief that attempts to obstruct peaceful and democratic political practice will not succeed.
They wished Osman Hadi a speedy recovery and conveyed their deepest sympathy to his family.
