Amid violence over the killing of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Usman Hadi, Bangladesh witnessed another high-profile shootout after unknown gunmen attacked a senior leader of the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP). Muhammad Motaleb Sikdar, a central figure in NCP’s labour organisation, was shot in the head in Khulna, according to Bangladeshi media reports.
The incident occurred around 11:45 am on Monday at a house in the Sonadanga area of the city, the Bangladeshi daily Prothom Alo reported.
Saif Nawaz, an organiser of the NCP’s Khulna metropolitan unit, told the publication that Sikdar is a central organiser and the Khulna divisional convener of the NCP’s labour wing, Jatiya Sramik Shakti.
He was working on organising a divisional labour rally for the party in Khulna, which was scheduled to take place soon, when the attack occurred. Sikdar suffered a gunshot wound to the left side of his head and is receiving treatment at a hospital, the report said.
Animesh Mandal, the Inspector (Investigation) of Sonadanga Police Station, confirmed the development and said that Sikdar was rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital after being shot. From there, he was taken to City Diagnostic Center for a CT scan of his head.
Further investigation into the incident is underway, the officer said.
Political Violence In Bangladesh
Bangladesh witnessed violent protests across the nation last week after the death of radical leader Sharif Osman Hadi. A polarising figure known for his strong anti-India rhetoric, Hadi, 32, gained prominence during Bangladesh’s 2024 student uprising that led to the ouster of former premier Sheikh Hasina.