Dhaka: Unidentified gunmen shot Muhammad Motaleb Sikder, a senior leader of Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party (NCP), in the head on Monday in Khulna City.
This is the second such attack on a prominent youth figure in recent days.
Sikder, 42, serves as the Khulna divisional chief of the NCP and central organiser of its labour wing, Jatiya Sramik Shakti. He lives in the Sheikhpara Palli area of Sonadanga. The shooting happened around 11:45 am near Gazi Medical College Hospital. The bullet entered near one ear and exited near the other.
He was taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital. Doctors say he is now out of danger and receiving treatment.
The NCP emerged from the 2024 student protests that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Sikder had been helping prepare for a divisional labour rally in Khulna.
This incident comes shortly after the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, another leader from the student movement. Hadi died last week after being shot earlier this month. His death sparked protests and violence across Bangladesh.
Police are investigating the attack on Sikder. No arrests have been reported yet. The country faces ongoing political tension as it moves towards elections.