A senior Bangladeshi youth political leader has been shot in the head in the southwestern city of Khulna, just days after the assassination of prominent activist Sharif Osman Hadi, intensifying concerns over rising political violence and instability in Bangladesh.

According to The Daily Star, Mohammad Motaleb Sikder, also known as Mohammad Talib Shekdar, was shot around 11:45am on Monday near Gazi Medical College Hospital in Khulna.

Police said miscreants opened fire at close range, targeting his head. He was rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital in critical condition, where doctors began emergency treatment.

Condition stabilises after emergency treatment

Hospital sources later said Sikder was out of immediate danger, as the bullet entered through one side of his ear and exited through the other without penetrating the skull.

Following initial treatment, Khulna Medical College Hospital authorities shifted him to the City Imaging Centre to assess the full extent of his injuries.

Political role, background

The 42-year-old Sikder is the Khulna divisional chief of the National Citizen Party and also serves as central coordinator of the party’s workers’ front.

His party emerged from the student-led uprising in 2024 that culminated in the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League government.

The Khulna shooting came only days after Sharif Osman Hadi, a central figure in last year’s student movement, was shot in the head by masked gunmen on December 12 during an election campaign in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area.

Hadi, a spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha and a candidate in the February 12 general elections, died last Thursday in Singapore after six days on life support.

Nationwide unrest

After Hadi was shot, violent protests erupted across the country. Authorities said several buildings were set on fire and vandalised, including offices housing leading newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.

In response to his death, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus declared a nationwide day of mourning and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Khulna police said they were still in the dark about the attackers or their motive but launched an immediate manhunt.

Sonadanga Model Police Station officer-in-charge Rafikul Islam confirmed the shooting and said investigations were ongoing. Local station chief Animesh Mondal added that police were working closely with hospital authorities.

Wider pattern of political violence

The shooting of Sikder adds to a series of violent incidents ahead of Bangladesh’s landmark elections.

In November, gunmen on motorbikes attacked a political rally of the Bangladesh National Party in Chattogram, killing one person and injuring two others, including an election candidate.

Following the Khulna attack, claims circulated on social media alleging involvement of India’s intelligence agency RAW and the Indian Army. These allegations included references to celebratory or threatening posts on X accounts allegedly linked to Indian military personnel.

However, Bangladeshi authorities have not confirmed any foreign involvement, and police said no evidence has yet been established linking the shooting to external actors.

Fear among youth leaders, activists

Supporters and fellow activists say youth leaders such as Sikder, Hadi, Usman Hadi, Tamim Shekdar and Hasnat Abdullah have faced growing threats due to their outspoken opposition to perceived political interference and influence.

Victims and party members warn that repeated attacks risk silencing dissent and undermining democratic participation ahead of the elections.