Bangladesh ramps up election security after candidate shooting
Bangladesh is stepping up security nationwide ahead of the February 2026 elections after Dhaka-8 candidate Sharif Osman Hadi was shot at his campaign launch on December 12.
Hadi is now in critical condition and receiving treatment in Singapore.
In response, authorities have arrested relatives of the main suspect.
Why it matters
This attack has put a spotlight on safety concerns for candidates and election staff across the country.
The Election Commission has asked for extra police protection for top officials and beefed up security at hundreds of offices following recent attacks elsewhere.
The government has also launched a crackdown on illegal weapons and introduced new rules allowing high-risk candidates to have armed protection.
With political tensions still high after major party shake-ups earlier this year, these steps aim to keep the upcoming polls safe for everyone involved.