Gono Odhikar Parishad president Nurul Haque Nur has stated that the attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, a prospective independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, represents an attack on the spirit of July.

He made the remarks on Saturday during a press briefing outside Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where he had gone to check on the condition of Osman Hadi, who was shot and is currently under observation.

Nurul Haque said, “Osman Hadi embodies the values of July. Targeting him is equivalent to targeting July itself. Whom can we rely on for security now? How many individuals can the government realistically protect?”

He emphasized that instead of focusing solely on the protection of individuals, the government should prioritize the security of the nation as a whole.

According to Nurul Haque, the nature of the attack on Osman Hadi suggests the possibility of similar incidents targeting others in the future. He urged political parties to stay united against anti-July forces, rather than letting political rivalry divide them.

Expressing concern over the lack of arrests even a day after the attack, Nurul Haque said law enforcement has provided very little information about the assailants. He added that if past attacks had been properly addressed, such incidents could have been prevented.

He further warned against offering mere words of comfort, citing Sheikh Hasina’s experience when a furious crowd surrounded the Ganabhaban. “If you try to appease people with soothing words or bedtime stories like she did, it will not work,” he said.

Criticizing the judicial system, Nurul Haque alleged that many individuals connected to anti-people activities during the mass uprising and linked to the Awami League are being granted bail. He asked, “How are those who harmed the public being released? Who is taking responsibility for this?”