Bangladesh unrest: Another student leader shot in Khulna amid rising political violence after Hadi's killing
PTC Web Desk: Bangladesh witnessed a fresh spike in political violence on Monday after a senior labour leader of the National Citizens Party (NCP) was shot in Khulna, intensifying concerns over deteriorating law and order amid ongoing unrest. Md Motaleb Sikder (42), a key figure in the NCP’s labour front, sustained a head injury after being fired upon around 12.15 pm at a house in the Sonadanga locality of Khulna. Party sources said Sikder serves as the central organiser and Khulna divisional convener of Jatiya Sramik Shakti, the workers’ wing affiliated with the NCP.
The shooting comes at a time when Bangladesh is already on edge following the killing of student activist Sharif Osman Hadi earlier this month, an incident that has fuelled protests and sporadic violence across several cities.
According to party leaders, Sikder was playing an active role in organising a divisional-level labour rally scheduled to be held in Khulna in the coming days. Although initial reports described his condition as serious, party officials later confirmed that the bullet only grazed his head and that he is currently out of danger.
Sharif Osman Hadi was shot on December 12 while commuting in a battery-operated auto-rickshaw in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area. Media reports indicated that two assailants on a motorcycle approached the vehicle and opened fire at close range, leaving him critically injured.
He was first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors detected severe damage to the brain stem. Given the severity of his injuries, Hadi was flown to Singapore on December 15 for specialised treatment. Despite sustained medical intervention at Singapore General Hospital, he passed away on December 18, as confirmed by Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Hadi was a prominent face of Bangladesh’s 2024 student-led movement and acted as spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha, also referred to as the Platform for Revolution. He was also reportedly preparing to contest the Dhaka-8 constituency in the next general elections, scheduled for February 2026.
Known for his strong anti-India stance, Hadi had frequently criticised New Delhi’s role in Bangladesh’s political developments, particularly after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country following last year’s mass uprising.
- With inputs from agencies
