Khulna: Unidentified gunmen on Monday shot Motaleb Shikder, a prominent student leader associated with Bangladesh’s 2024 student-led uprising, in a targeted attack in the southwestern city of Khulna. Shikder sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where doctors have described his condition as critical.
Shikder currently heads the Khulna division of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and also serves as a central coordinator of the party’s workers’ front. Party officials said the attack took place suddenly, leaving Shikder severely injured and bleeding profusely before he was transported to the hospital for emergency medical care.
According to sources within the party, Shikder was immediately shifted to the emergency unit upon arrival at the hospital. Doctors later moved him for advanced imaging procedures to assess the extent of the head injury and determine further treatment. Hospital authorities have not issued a detailed medical bulletin but confirmed that his condition remains serious.
Police officials said a manhunt has been launched to identify and apprehend those responsible for the shooting. However, investigators have not yet established the motive behind the attack or identified the assailants. Security personnel have intensified patrols in the area as part of the investigation.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through political and student circles, particularly within groups linked to last year’s protests. Shikder was a visible figure during the 2024 student-led movement, which played a key role in mobilising youth and contributed to political developments that eventually led to the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government.
The incident comes just days after another violent episode involving a youth leader from the same protest movement. Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent figure associated with the 2024 uprising, was recently killed, raising alarm over a pattern of targeted attacks against student and youth leaders.
Party leaders and supporters expressed concern over what they described as a growing climate of political violence. They said the back-to-back incidents have heightened fears about the safety of individuals who were actively involved in last year’s movement and are now part of emerging political formations.
Law enforcement agencies have not confirmed whether the two incidents are connected. Officials said investigations are ongoing and that all possible angles are being examined, including political rivalry and personal enmity.
The National Citizen Party has not issued a formal statement on the attack but party members have appealed for Shikder’s safety and demanded swift action against those responsible. Supporters gathered outside the hospital as news of the shooting spread, while leaders urged calm amid rising tensions.
Authorities said further updates will be shared as the investigation progresses and as more information becomes available regarding Shikder’s medical condition.
