Political tension in Bangladesh continues to rise after another attack on a student leader. Just days after the killing of Osman Hadi, gunmen opened fire on senior National Citizen Party leader Motaleb Shikder in Khulna. The shooting has deepened fears of worsening violence and instability across the country.
Authorities confirmed that the attack happened in broad daylight. The incident has triggered strong reactions from political groups and renewed calls for security reforms.
Who Is Motaleb Shikder?
Motaleb Shikder is a senior leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP). He serves as the party’s Khulna divisional chief and also works as a central organiser of NCP Sramik Shakti.
The party confirmed his identity in a Facebook statement issued by its joint principal coordinator, Mahmuda Mitu. Shikder is known as an active organiser linked to recent student-led political movements.
How the Shooting Happened in Khulna
The attack took place on Monday morning in Khulna. Assailants targeted Shikder’s head and opened fire while he was outside.
“Miscreants opened fire targeting his head around 11:45 AM, and he was rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital in critical condition,” the newspaper outlet quoted Animesh Mondol, officer-in-charge (investigation) of Sonadanga Model Police Station, as saying. Doctors later said that Shikder survived the attack.
The officer added that the bullet entered through one side of his ear, pierced the skin, and exited through the other side. He said Shikder was out of danger.
What Is the National Citizen Party?
The National Citizen Party is a newly formed political group in Bangladesh. Students Against Discrimination and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee launched it after the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The party was officially formed on February 28 this year. It became the first student-led political party in the country’s history. Since its formation, the party has remained active in protests and political mobilisation.
Osman Hadi Killing and Rising Violence
The latest attack comes days after the death of student leader Osman Hadi. Hadi was a key figure in the 2024 student uprising. He was shot during an attack in Dhaka on December 12. Doctors later moved him to Singapore for emergency treatment.
“Despite the best efforts of the doctors from SGH and the National Neuroscience Institute, Mr Hadi succumbed to his injuries on 18 December 2025,” the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in an official statement. Hadi’s death sparked protests and unrest across Bangladesh.
Police Probe and Political Pressure
Bangladesh Police said they have no “specific information” on the location of the prime suspect in Hadi’s killing. The statement came after Hadi’s Inqilab Mancha party issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the interim government. The party demanded “visible progress” in arresting those responsible.
The killing also led to attacks and vandalism in several parts of the country. Protesters hurled stones at the Assistant Indian High Commissioner’s residence in Chattogram.
Authorities laid Osman Hadi to rest on Saturday under heavy security. His burial took place beside the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam near the Dhaka University mosque. The government increased security in sensitive areas following his funeral.
