Bangladesh witnessed another violent attack on a prominent student leader on Monday as unidentified gunmen shot Motaleb Shikder in the head in the southwestern city of Khulna, just days after the killing of well-known youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi. The back-to-back incidents have intensified concerns over escalating political violence targeting student and youth leaders in the country.

According to party officials, Shikder, who holds senior organisational positions in the National Citizen Party (NCP), was critically injured in the shooting and rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where doctors began emergency treatment.

Details of the Attack

The attack took place on Monday evening in Khulna city when unidentified assailants opened fire on Shikder, striking him on the left side of his head. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and police have not yet confirmed whether the attackers were on foot or using a vehicle.

Confirming the incident, Mahmuda Mitu, joint principal coordinator of the NCP, said in a Facebook post:

“The Khulna Division head of NCP and central coordinator of the party’s workers front, Motaleb Shikder, was shot a few minutes ago.”

Ms. Mitu, who is also a medical doctor, stated that Shikder was taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital in a critical condition, where doctors initiated urgent medical intervention to control bleeding and stabilise his condition.

Hospital Condition and Medical Response

The Bengali daily Kaler Kantha, citing hospital sources, reported that Shikder was bleeding profusely when he arrived at the emergency department. Doctors immediately began life-saving procedures, including imaging scans and trauma care, due to the seriousness of the head injury.

Hospital officials have not released a detailed medical bulletin, but sources indicated that Shikder remains under close observation in the intensive care unit.

Political Profile of Motaleb Shikder

Motaleb Shikder is a prominent student-turned-political leader with roots in Bangladesh’s turbulent youth politics. He is associated with the violent student-led uprising of 2004, which played a significant role in shaping contemporary youth activism in the country.

Within the National Citizen Party, Shikder serves as:

• Khulna Division head, and

• Central coordinator of the party’s workers’ front

His leadership role has made him a visible figure in grassroots political mobilisation, particularly in southwestern Bangladesh.

Context: Recent Killing of Sharif Osman Hadi

The shooting comes just days after the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent youth leader whose death sent shockwaves through political and student circles in Bangladesh.

Hadi’s killing had already raised serious concerns about:

• Targeted attacks on youth leaders

• Breakdown of political tolerance

• Increasing use of violence to settle ideological and organisational rivalries

The attack on Shikder has reinforced fears that student and youth leaders are increasingly being targeted, possibly as part of broader political power struggles.

Escalating Pattern of Violence

Political analysts note that these incidents are not isolated. Over the past year, Bangladesh has seen:

• Rising clashes between rival political groups

• Targeted killings and attacks on activists

• Increasing vulnerability of student leaders operating at the grassroots level

Student politics in Bangladesh has historically been deeply intertwined with national politics, often serving as a recruitment ground for major political parties. This nexus has also exposed student leaders to violence during periods of political instability.

Response from Political Parties

As of Monday night, no official statement had been issued by the government or law enforcement agencies. However, leaders from various opposition parties have condemned the attack and called for:

• Immediate arrest of the perpetrators

• Enhanced security for political activists

• An impartial investigation into the sequence of recent attacks

The NCP leadership has demanded swift action, warning that continued inaction could embolden attackers and deepen political unrest.

Law Enforcement and Investigation

Police officials confirmed that an investigation had been initiated, though no arrests have been made so far. Authorities are reportedly examining:

• CCTV footage from nearby areas

• Possible political motives

• Links, if any, between the Shikder shooting and the Hadi killing

Khulna police have increased patrols in sensitive areas following the incident to prevent further violence.

Student Politics and Historical Legacy

Bangladesh’s student politics has long been a powerful force, from the Language Movement of 1952 to the Liberation War of 1971, and later movements against military rule.

However, over the decades, student wings of political parties have increasingly been associated with:

• Factional violence

• Turf wars

• Criminalisation of campus politics

The involvement of armed groups and criminal networks has transformed student activism into a high-risk political arena.

Impact on Political Stability

The twin incidents involving Hadi and Shikder have raised alarm bells among civil society groups and political observers, who warn that unchecked violence could:

• Discourage youth participation in democratic processes

• Undermine public trust in political institutions

• Lead to cycles of retaliation and instability

Calls are growing for a cross-party consensus to protect political activists and ensure accountability.

Public Reaction and Civil Society Concerns

Social media platforms were flooded with messages condemning the attack, with many users expressing fear over the deteriorating security environment.

Human rights activists have urged the government to:

• Ensure transparent investigations

• Protect freedom of political expression

• Address the root causes of political violence

They argue that failure to act decisively could normalise political assassinations.

Regional Significance

Khulna, a major city in southwestern Bangladesh, has previously witnessed political clashes but is not typically associated with high-profile targeted shootings. The incident has therefore heightened concerns about geographical spread of political violence beyond traditional flashpoints.

Conclusion

The shooting of Motaleb Shikder, coming so soon after the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, marks a troubling escalation in Bangladesh’s political violence targeting student and youth leaders. As Shikder battles for life in hospital, the incident has renewed urgent calls for accountability, security reforms, and political restraint.

Whether the authorities can swiftly identify and prosecute those responsible will be a crucial test of Bangladesh’s commitment to safeguarding democratic participation and restoring confidence in the rule of law.

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