A senior leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by students, has been seriously injured in a targeted shooting incident in the city of Khulna on Monday. The incident marks another act of violence targeting political parties despite the recent violence that broke out in the country following the murder of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Usman Hadi.
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Central planner targeted in broad daylight
Muhammad Motaleb Sikdar, one of the main organisers in central NCP for their labour wing, Jatiya Sramik Shakti, was shot in the head at about 11:45 am in a house in Sonadanga, Khulna city. According to local news in Khulna, Sikdar was very active in preparations for adivisional labour rally to be organised by the party, NDTV reported.
As per a report by NDTV, Saif Nawaz, an organiser for the Khulna metropolitan unit of the NCP, has verified that Sikdar was a key figure in the event, as well as the seriousness thereof. Sikdar was immediately taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital after being shot in the left side of his head due to a gunshot wound. He was later shifted to City Diagnostic Centre for a CT scan.
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Animesh Mandal, Inspector (Investigation) of the Sonadanga Police Station, has confirmed the firing incident and said the reason behind the attack is being investigated by the authorities.
Unrest follows Hadi’s killing
The incident has happened in the wake of fierce protests in the country by demonstrators over the death on December 18 of Sharif Osman Hadi, a radical leader of Inqilab Manch who had previously made several attacks on India in his public statements. Hadi passed away in a hospital in Singapore after being shot by unknown gunmen in Dhaka on December 12.
The country of Bangladesh is gearing up for general elections that are set to take place in February 2026.