Senior NCP Labour Leader Shot in Khulna as Political Violence Escalates in Bangladesh

Amid continuing unrest over the killing of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, Bangladesh witnessed another high-profile incident of political violence on Monday, with unknown gunmen opening fire on a senior leader of the student-led National Citizens Party (NCP) in Khulna district.

Muhammad Motaleb Sikdar, a central organiser of the NCP’s labour wing, Jatiya Sramik Shakti, was shot in the head at a residence in Khulna’s Sonadanga area around 11:45 am, according to Bangladeshi media reports. The daily Prothom Alo first reported the incident.

Saif Nawaz, an organiser of the NCP’s Khulna metropolitan unit, told the publication that Sikdar serves as both a central organiser and the Khulna divisional convener of the party’s labour organisation. He was reportedly engaged in preparations for an upcoming divisional labour rally in Khulna when the attack took place.

Sikdar sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of his head and was initially taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital before being transferred to a private diagnostic centre for a CT scan. His condition was not immediately disclosed.

Confirming the incident, Animesh Mandal, Inspector (Investigation) at Sonadanga Police Station, said that an investigation is underway to identify the attackers and determine the motive behind the shooting.

Rising Political Tensions

The latest attack comes against the backdrop of widespread political unrest in Bangladesh following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a controversial figure known for his strong anti-India rhetoric. Hadi, 32, emerged as a prominent leader during the 2024 student uprising that ultimately led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Hadi was shot by masked assailants on December 12 while campaigning in Dhaka ahead of the upcoming elections. After receiving initial treatment in Bangladesh, he was airlifted to Singapore in critical condition, where he died on December 18. His death sparked violent protests across the country last week.

Bangladesh is scheduled to hold national elections in February 2026, with political tensions intensifying as the polls draw nearer. Recent weeks have seen an uptick in violent demonstrations, targeted attacks and reports of assaults on members of the Hindu minority.

The interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who is seen as maintaining close ties with the NCP, has drawn scrutiny for its foreign policy posture, particularly efforts to recalibrate relations with Pakistan while relations with India remain strained.

Radical elements within the NCP — a party that emerged from the mass protests in August last year that led to Hasina’s removal — have continued to issue provocative statements against India. Following the attack on Hadi, an NCP leader warned that Dhaka could provide shelter to forces hostile to New Delhi and claimed that India’s northeastern states, often referred to as the “Seven Sisters”, could be severed from the rest of the country.

India has rejected such allegations, with the Ministry of External Affairs stating, “We expect the interim government of Bangladesh to take all necessary measures to ensure internal law and order, including for the purpose of holding peaceful elections.”