A senior Bangladeshi youth political leader was shot in the head in the southwestern city of Khulna on Monday, heightening fears of escalating political violence just days after the killing of prominent activist Sharif Osman Hadi.
According to The Daily Star, Mohammad Motaleb Sikder, also known as Mohammad Talib Shekdar, was attacked around 11:45 am near Gazi Medical College Hospital. Police said assailants opened fire at close range, striking him in the head. He was rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital in critical condition.
Hospital officials later said Sikder was out of immediate danger. The bullet reportedly entered through one side of his ear and exited through the other without penetrating the skull. After initial treatment, doctors shifted him to the City Imaging Centre to assess the full extent of his injuries.
The 42-year-old Sikder is the Khulna divisional chief of the National Citizen Party and serves as central coordinator of the party’s workers’ front. The party emerged from the student-led uprising in 2024 that led to the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League government.
The Khulna shooting comes days after Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in last year’s student movement, was shot in the head by masked gunmen on December 12 during an election campaign in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area. Hadi, also a spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha and a candidate in the February 12 general elections, died in Singapore after six days on life support.
Hadi’s shooting triggered violent protests across Bangladesh, with authorities reporting arson and vandalism, including attacks on offices housing major newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus declared a nationwide day of mourning and pledged swift justice.
Khulna police said they are investigating Sikder’s shooting and have launched a manhunt. Sonadanga Model Police Station officer-in-charge Rafikul Islam confirmed the incident, while local station chief Animesh Mondal said police are coordinating closely with hospital authorities.
Unverified claims circulated on social media alleging foreign involvement, including references to India’s intelligence agency RAW and the Indian Army. Authorities said there is no evidence to support such allegations.
Supporters warn that repeated attacks on youth leaders and activists risk silencing dissent and undermining democratic participation ahead of Bangladesh’s landmark elections.
