Bangladesh’s fragile political atmosphere took a sharp turn for the worse on Monday, December 22, 2025, after Motaleb Shikder, a senior leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP), was shot in the head in the southwestern city of Khulna. The attack has intensified concerns over rising political violence as the country prepares for general elections scheduled in February 2026.
Shikder, who serves as the Khulna divisional chief of the NCP and a central organiser of its labour wing, Jatiya Sramik Shakti, was targeted around midday in the Sonadanga area, a busy locality near a medical college and residential neighbourhoods. Witnesses said unidentified gunmen opened fire at him in broad daylight before fleeing the scene. Locals immediately rushed him to Khulna Medical College Hospital and then to a private diagnostic centre for scans.
Doctors have described his condition as critical, noting that the bullet pierced through one side of his head. He continues to be under intensive monitoring and treatment, with authorities stating that no significant improvement has yet been reported.
Police have launched an investigation and increased security deployments in Khulna and surrounding districts. Checkpoints have been set up, and surveillance intensified amid fears of further attacks. However, no arrests have been made so far.
The shooting comes just days after the killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, an incident that sparked widespread protests and clashes across Bangladesh. Hadi, a prominent youth activist, was shot earlier this month in Dhaka and later died from his injuries. His death triggered demonstrations, street violence, and mounting criticism over the state’s ability to ensure safety for political workers and students.
Together, the two incidents have heightened anxiety across the political spectrum, with opposition parties, civil society groups, and analysts warning that targeted attacks could derail the electoral process. Many fear that continued violence may suppress political participation and undermine voter confidence.
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