A Bangladeshi student political leader was shot and seriously injured in Khulna on Monday, adding to rising unrest in the country just days after the death of a prominent youth leader triggered widespread protests. According to The Daily Star and local reports, 42-year-old Mohammad Motaleb Sikder, the National Citizen Party (NCP)’s Khulna divisional chief and central organiser of its labour wing, Jatiya Sramik Shakti, was attacked by unidentified gunmen in the Sonadanga area around 11:45 am.
Police and eyewitnesses said that Sikder was shot in the head near Gazi Medical College Hospital before being rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital and then to another facility for further scans and treatment. Initial reports indicated that the bullet grazed his head, with hospital sources later stating that he was “out of danger” after the wound exited the other side of his skull.
The incident comes in the wake of the December 12 killing of student activist Sharif Osman Hadi, whose death in Singapore after being shot in Dhaka sparked nationwide demonstrations, violent clashes, and heightened political tensions ahead of Bangladesh’s February 2026 general elections.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the shooting, but no suspects have yet been identified. The attack has reinforced concerns about escalating politically-linked violence in Bangladesh as activists and parties prepare for the upcoming polls.