Khulna, December 22, 2025: A Bangladeshi student political leader from the National Citizen Party (NCP) was shot and injured on Monday in Khulna, marking the latest in a series of violent attacks targeting political activists ahead of February’s national elections, according to The Daily Star.
The injured leader, 42-year-old Mohammad Motaleb Sikder, serves as the NCP’s divisional chief in Khulna. Police reported that masked assailants opened fire targeting his head around 11:45am local time near Gazi Medical College Hospital, and he was rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital in critical condition. Authorities later confirmed that Sikder is out of danger, with the bullet entering one side of his ear and exiting the other.
The attack comes just days after Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent figure in last year’s student-led uprising that led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was fatally shot in Dhaka on December 16 while campaigning for the upcoming elections. Hadi succumbed to his injuries in Singapore last Thursday after six days on life support, sparking nationwide protests.
Political violence in Bangladesh has escalated in recent months, with gunmen on motorbikes attacking rallies, leaving several injured and buildings housing major newspapers, including Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, vandalized and set on fire. The latest shooting occurred during a rally of the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) in Khulna, attended by hundreds of participants, highlighting the volatile pre-election environment.
Authorities have launched investigations, while civil society and opposition leaders have condemned the attacks, calling for enhanced security measures to protect political activists and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
The incident underscores rising concerns over political violence in Bangladesh as the country prepares for its landmark elections in February 2026, with activists warning that targeted attacks could undermine democratic participation and stability.
