Motaleb Sikder shot Khulna amid rising political violence in Bangladesh. Unidentified gunmen attacked the senior National Citizen Party (NCP) leader in southwestern Khulna city on Monday. This attack comes just days after the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent student leader who died in Singapore following a shooting in Dhaka. Sikder was rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital in critical condition, where doctors acted quickly to stabilize him. Authorities confirmed that he is now out of danger.
Sikder, 42, leads the Khulna Division of NCP and coordinates its workers’ front. Around 11:45 am, gunmen opened fire near Gazi Medical College Hospital. Police officer Md Rafikul Islam said the bullet entered one ear and exited the other. Fortunately, doctors treated the injury successfully. Moreover, Sikder resides in Sheikhpara Palli in Sonadanga, an area that has seen growing political tensions in recent months. The attack has raised concerns among residents and political activists alike.
Sikder played a significant role in Bangladesh’s 2004 student-led uprising. Over the past two decades, he has remained active in youth and political mobilization. Consequently, his shooting has sparked fears of targeted attacks on student leaders and political activists. Furthermore, the NCP urged authorities to take immediate action against the attackers and improve security for party workers. Analysts warn that without strict measures violence could increase in the coming weeks.
The attack follows the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, 32, a leader of Inqilab Mancha. Masked assailants shot him during an election campaign in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area. Sadly, Hadi died while receiving treatment in Singapore. Therefore, observers believe these attacks indicate a rise in politically motivated violence. As Bangladesh prepares for the February 12 general elections, authorities face mounting pressure to ensure safety. Citizens and political parties now fear that tensions could escalate further, affecting election campaigns and public gatherings nationwide ate further ahead of Bangladesh’s February 12 general elections.
