Second student leader shot in Bangladesh days after Sharif Osman Hadi killing

DHAKA (Web Desk) – Another student leader in Bangladesh has been shot in the head in the southern city of Khulna, marking the second such attack this month amid heightened political tension following the killing of prominent youth activist Sharif Osman Hadi.

According to Bangladeshi media reports, Muhammad Md Motaleb Sikder, 42, a senior leader of the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP), was targeted by unidentified gunmen on Monday in the Sonadanga area of Khulna. He was rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head.

NCP joint principal coordinator Mahmuda Mitu confirmed the attack in a Facebook post, identifying Sikder as the party’s Khulna divisional convener and a central organiser of its labour wing, Jatiya Sramik Shakti. She said he was taken to hospital in a critical condition immediately after the shooting.

Hospital sources quoted by local daily Kaler Kantho said the bullet struck the left side of Sikder’s head, causing heavy bleeding. Doctors initiated emergency treatment upon his arrival. Subsequent medical assessments later indicated that the bullet grazed his skull rather than penetrating it, and his condition has since stabilised. Physicians said he is now out of danger.

Police officials said the shooting occurred around midday while Sikder was at a house near Gazi Medical College Hospital in the city. Animesh Mondol, an investigating officer at Sonadanga police station, said the bullet entered near Sikder’s ear and exited after piercing the skin, narrowly missing vital areas. He added that further investigation into the attack was under way.

Authorities said no immediate arrests had been made and the identities and motives of the attackers remained unclear. A search operation has been launched in the area to trace those responsible, police said.

Party leaders stated that Sikder had been actively involved in preparations for a divisional labour rally scheduled to be held in Khulna in the coming days. An NCP functionary from the Khulna metropolitan unit said the attack took place while organisational work for the rally was ongoing.

The shooting comes just days after the killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, an incident that has triggered violent protests and clashes in several parts of Bangladesh. Hadi, 32, was a prominent organiser of student-led demonstrations and a key figure in recent protest movements.

Hadi was shot in the head by masked assailants in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area while campaigning ahead of the February 12 general elections. He was later flown to Singapore for advanced medical treatment, where he died during treatment, according to officials.

Following his death, violent demonstrations erupted in Dhaka and other cities, with protesters demanding justice and accountability. The unrest has raised concerns over law and order as political tensions continue to escalate.

The National Citizen Party was formed earlier this year following the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Emerging from the Students Against Discrimination movement and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, it has been described as Bangladesh’s first major student-led political party.

Police said investigations into both attacks were continuing as security remains tight in parts of the country affected by protests and political violence.