New turn in the killing of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi
An important eyewitness account has brought a fresh burst of momentum to an investigation into the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent parliamentary candidate whose fatal shooting in central Dhaka earlier this month horrified the nation.
Auto-rickshaw driver Md. Kamal Hossian (46), who was driving for Hadi when he was attacked, arrived at the court on December 25 to make his statement as a witness. Md. Kamal had stated under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which means he made a confession before a magistrate, and that will be admissible in court as evidence.
The Daylight Attack
The incident took place on December 12, around 2:20 pm, at Box Culvert Road near Paltan police station. Hadi was attacked while he, in an autorickshaw driven by Kamal, was coming from Motijheel to Suhrawardy Udyan, the investigators said.
According to the prosecution, the prime accused, Faisal Karim Masud alias Daud, followed them on his motorcycle along with others in an auto-rickshaw. They then shot Hadi at close range, leaving him critically injured before fleeing.
Kamal, who witnessed the shooting up close, said later.
that those investigators who he is willing to testify voluntarily add ballast, prosecutors say, to a case.
A Struggle for Life
Hadi, who was injured in the attack, was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital soon after the attack. He was later taken to Evercare Hospital due to his deteriorating condition.
Physicians quickly advised additional care overseas. Hadi was flown to Singapore on an air ambulance and treated at the Singapore General Hospital, one of the region’s best medical facilities. He died from his injuries on December 18 despite undergoing treatment.
Legal Escalation
The complaint was lodged on December 14 by Abdullah Al Jaber, member secretary of Inqilab Mancha, charging Dhaka with attempted murder. They were charged with several offences under various sections of the Penal Code, such as conspiracy and causing grievous hurt by using a weapon or substance.
After Hadi died, investigators tried to elevate the case. On 20 December, a Dhaka metropolitan magistrate directed that Section 302 be included, making the charges murder.
Why the Witness Matters
Legal experts say that statements recorded under Section 164 of the CrPC before a magistrate, without pressure from the police, have special significance. The testimony of Kamal Hossain, of The Asian Age, who was the sole identified eyewitness with the victim’s group, is expected to provide key evidence to establish what transpired and who was behind the shooting.
The murder of Sharif Osman Hadi has raised alarm bells around political violence and public safety in the capital following the attack by police as a “sensational Murder.” As the investigation grinds on, attention now focuses on whether this firsthand account will help clarify and pin down accountability in a case that has consumed the country.