Bangladesh: Another Political Leader Shot in Khulna Amid Widespread Unrest

KHULNA, BANGLADESH — Widespread panic has gripped Bangladesh once again following the broad-daylight shooting of a senior political leader in Khulna on Monday, December 22. The attack on Motaleb Shikder, a top leader of the National Citizens Party (NCP), comes just days after the assassination of prominent activist Sharif Osman Hadi, pushing the nation deeper into political turmoil ahead of the February 12 general elections.

The Incident: Attack in Sonadanga

The shooting occurred at approximately 11:45 am at a residence in the Sonadanga area of Khulna city. Unidentified gunmen opened fire on Shikder, targeting his head.

• Injury Details: Shikder was shot on the left side of his head. He was rushed to Khulna Medical College and Hospital (KMCH) in a critical state due to profuse bleeding.
• Medical Status: While initial reports described his condition as life-threatening, hospital sources later indicated he is being stabilized, though he remains under close observation in the emergency unit.
• Party Role: Shikder serves as the Khulna Division head of the NCP and the central coordinator of the party’s workers’ front (Jatiya Sramik Shakti). He was reportedly active in organizing a divisional labor rally at the time of the attack.

Escalating Cycle of Violence

This shootout is the second high-profile attack on a youth leader this month. It follows the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson for the radical platform Inqilab Mancha, who was shot by masked gunmen on December 12 in Dhaka. Hadi succumbed to his injuries in a Singapore hospital on December 18.

Both Shikder and Hadi were key figures in the 2024 student-led uprising that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The recurring nature of these “clandestine attacks” has sparked fears of a coordinated campaign against the leaders of last year’s revolution.

National Response and Election Concerns

Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has condemned the violence, stating that “no stone would be left unturned” to capture the perpetrators. However, the police have yet to identify the suspects or establish a clear motive, though they have launched a nationwide manhunt.

The violence has cast a dark shadow over the upcoming February 12 elections:

• Election Campaigning: Candidates have expressed fear for their safety after Hadi was targeted during his own campaign.
• Anti-India Sentiment: Protests following these attacks have frequently featured anti-India slogans, with some activists accusing the “fallen fascist regime” of operating from across the border to destabilize the country.
• Minority Safety: There have been increasing reports of violent protests and targeted attacks on Hindu minorities, further complicating the law-and-order situation.

“The Khulna Division head of NCP and central coordinator of the party’s workers front, Motaleb Shikder, was shot a few minutes ago,” wrote NCP joint principal coordinator Mahmuda Mitu in a social media post, confirming the attack shortly after it occurred.