Violence Erupts in Bangladesh: Another Student Leader Shot Amid Rising Tensions

In a shocking turn of events, another leader from Bangladesh's turbulent political landscape has been shot in Khulna, just days after the assassination of prominent youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi. Muhammad Motaleb Sikdar, head of the National Citizen Party's Khulna Division, was critically injured in the attack. This incident adds to the rising tensions in the country, following Hadi's recent death, which has sparked nationwide mourning and unrest. As the interim government vows to seek justice, the situation remains volatile, raising concerns about the safety of political figures in Bangladesh.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 22, 2025, 15:09 IST

Tragic Shooting of Political Figure in Khulna

Dhaka: A second leader associated with the violent student uprising of 2004 in Bangladesh was shot in the head by unidentified assailants on Monday in Khulna city, just days after the assassination of notable youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi.

According to a Facebook update from Mahmuda Mitu, the joint principal coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), Muhammad Motaleb Sikdar, who heads the party's Khulna Division and coordinates its workers' front, was attacked shortly before the post was made.

Mitu, who is also a doctor, reported that Sikdar was urgently transported to Khulna Medical College Hospital in critical condition.

As per reports from Kaler Kantha, hospital sources indicated that Sikdar had sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of his head and was bleeding heavily upon arrival, prompting immediate emergency care.

This incident follows the recent shooting of Hadi, a key figure in the student protests that led to the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government. Hadi was shot by masked gunmen during an election campaign in Dhaka's Bijoynagar area on December 12.

The 32-year-old spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment in Singapore on Thursday. He was a candidate for the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 12.

In response to Hadi's death, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus declared a nationwide day of mourning on Saturday, pledging to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice for his murder as unrest flared in Dhaka and other major cities.