A senior youth political leader in Bangladesh has been shot in the head in the southwestern city of Khulna. The attack has raised fresh concerns about rising political violence. It happened only days after the killing of activist Sharif Osman Hadi.
According to local media, Mohammad Motaleb Sikder was shot around 11:45am on Monday. The incident occurred near Gazi Medical College Hospital in Khulna. Sikder is also known as Mohammad Talib Shekdar.
Police said attackers opened fire at close range. The bullet struck him in the head. He was rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital in critical condition. Doctors immediately began emergency treatment.
Hospital officials later confirmed his condition had stabilised. They said the bullet entered through one side of his ear. It exited through the other side without damaging the skull. Doctors said this prevented more serious injury.
After initial treatment, Sikder was moved to the City Imaging Centre. Doctors wanted to assess internal damage. He remains under close medical observation.
Sikder is 42 years old. He serves as the Khulna divisional chief of the National Citizen Party. He is also the central coordinator of the party’s workers’ front. The party emerged after the student-led uprising in 2024.
That movement led to the removal of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Her Awami League government was ousted after months of protests. The current political climate in Bangladesh remains tense.
The Khulna shooting followed another deadly attack days earlier. On December 12, activist Sharif Osman Hadi was shot in Dhaka. Masked gunmen targeted him during an election campaign in Bijoynagar.
Hadi was a key leader of the student movement. He was also a candidate in the February 12 general elections. He died last Thursday in Singapore after six days on life support.
His shooting sparked nationwide unrest. Several buildings were set on fire. Offices linked to major newspapers were vandalised. The interim government declared a national day of mourning.
Police in Khulna said they have no clear suspect yet. The motive remains unknown. A manhunt has been launched. Investigators are working with hospital authorities.
The attack adds to a wider pattern of political violence in Bangladesh. In November, gunmen attacked a political rally in Chattogram. One person was killed. Others were injured.
In other news read more about Bangladesh Boosts Security Amid Unrest Fears After Youth Leader Death
Authorities have dismissed claims of foreign involvement. No evidence has been confirmed so far. Activists warn repeated attacks may silence dissent ahead of elections.
