Calling the shooting of Dhaka-8 independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi unacceptable in any way, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday urged the interim government to strictly maintain law and order over the next two months, saying the safety of election candidates and ordinary citizens must be the government’s first and foremost responsibility.

In a Facebook post, he also suggested forming a special interim security cell if needed to ensure public safety.

“The shooting of Osman Hadi yesterday (Friday) is a very tragic incident. This incident is completely unacceptable. It has deeply angered the nation, especially as it happened just one day after the election schedule was announced,” he said.

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He expressed the hope that the government would quickly arrest those responsible and ensure proper medical treatment for Hadi.

At the same time, Fakhrul urged leaders and activists of all political parties to deal with the situation with patience and wisdom. “Any form of mob violence is unacceptable. Reckless actions are not desirable,” he said.

“I urge the interim government to keep the law and order situation under control over the next two months. Protecting the lives and property of everyone in the country—from election candidates to ordinary citizens—is the government’s first and foremost responsibility. If necessary, form a special interim security cell,” the BNP leader said.

Fakhrul also said they announced at a press conference on Friday that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh on December 25.

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“This is a special day for the BNP, Begum Khaleda Zia, her family, and the nation. We hope that his return to the country will be safe. Inshallah, a beautiful time lies ahead for Bangladesh,” he said.

Tarique, who has been living in London since 2008, will return home on December 25 ahead of the national election, ending nearly 18 years of exile.