Why it matters: This inauguration ceremony and rally of the Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) in Lohagara, Chattogram, sends a clear message regarding the party’s increased organizational activities in local politics.

The big picture: On Friday afternoon, a colorful rally was brought out from Bottoli Motor Station in Lohagara, which traversed various roads before concluding at Mashabi Restaurant. The inauguration of the newly formed convenor committee was completed in the presence of top upazila and district-level leaders.

Between the lines: Participants in the rally chanted various slogans against the Awami League and Sheikh Hasina, indicating that the NCP has entered the field with a clear opposition stance in the current political context. Party leaders expressed their commitment to building a discrimination-free and democratic Bangladesh, emphasizing the strengthening of the organization at the grassroots level.

What’s next: Lohagara Upazila NCP Convenor Mostak Ahmad Sabuj stated that their goal is now to rapidly expand the organization’s activities to the union and ward levels. By fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to the newly formed committee, they aim to further consolidate their position in people-oriented politics.

The bottom line: Chief Guest Lion A M Munna Chowdhury and Key Speaker Jobairul Alam Manik, along with other top party leaders, called upon activists to work with honesty and dedication. This political program in Lohagara is essentially a strategic move to establish the NCP as an alternative political force that embodies the aspirations of the new generation.

The main focus of the speakers was to be vocal against corruption and irregularities and to work towards establishing the rights of common people. Conducted by the organization’s Member Secretary D M Maruf Hasan Rizvi, the event was also attended by representatives of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti and Juba Shakti, reflecting the combined strength of the party’s various affiliated organizations. It remains to be seen how much influence the activities of this new committee will have on Lohagara’s politics in the coming days.

Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and spokesperson of Inqilab Manch, has undergone a primary surgery at Dhaka Medical College Hospital after being shot earlier on Friday. Hospital director Brigadier General Md Asaduzzaman confirmed in the evening that Hadi was being transferred to Evercare Hospital following a decision by his family.

According to the hospital authorities, Hadi suffered a bullet injury to the head and additional injuries to the chest. The injury to his leg is believed to have occurred when he fell from the rickshaw during the attack. Although the family initially considered transferring him to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), they later opted for Evercare Hospital, which has already been prepared to receive him.

Hadi was shot at around 2:20 pm on Friday while travelling by rickshaw along the Bijoynagar culvert road. Unknown assailants on a motorcycle opened fire at him and fled the scene. A bullet pierced just below his left ear. His colleagues rescued him and took him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital around 2:40 pm.

Law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident, as no information about the attackers or the motive has yet been confirmed.

Tensions flared at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Friday as supporters of Sharif Osman Hadi reacted angrily to the arrival of BNP candidate Mirza Abbas. Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and spokesperson of Inquilab Manch, is currently undergoing treatment after being shot earlier in the day.

Around 4 pm, Mirza Abbas reached the hospital’s emergency entrance, where Hadi’s supporters began chanting “fake, fake” slogans against him. The situation quickly became heated, prompting army personnel on site to escort Abbas inside under security. Supporters continued chanting outside the emergency unit.

After checking on Hadi’s condition, Abbas left the hospital around 4:30 pm without speaking to the media.

Earlier, around noon, Hadi was shot by assailants who approached on motorcycles while he was traveling by rickshaw in Bijoynagar. Following his admission, additional police and army personnel were deployed around Dhaka Medical College Hospital, including at the emergency gate. An army vehicle entered the hospital premises at 3:50 pm.

Hadi had previously reported receiving threats from around 30 domestic and international phone numbers last November. In a Facebook post on 14 November, he stated he had been threatened with murder, arson at his home, and sexual violence against his mother, sister and wife.