Bangladeshi Student Leader’s Death Triggers Violent Protests, NCP Labour Leader Shot in the Head

Bangladesh witnessed another alarming episode of political violence on Monday as unrest continued following the killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi. Amid nationwide protests and growing questions over Law and Order, a senior labour leader of the National Citizens Party (NCP) was shot in the head in Khulna, marking the second high-profile shooting of a young political figure this month.

Labour Leader Md Motaleb Sikder Shot Amid Rising Unrest

As the country struggled to contain violent protests sparked by the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, Md. Motaleb Sikder, a key labour leader associated with the NCP, was shot during an attack at a residence in Khulna’s Sonadanga area. The incident took place at around 12:15 pm, according to party officials.

Saif Newaz, an organiser of the NCP’s Khulna metropolitan unit, told Prothom Alo that Sikder, 42, serves as the divisional convener and central organiser of Jatiya Sramik Shakti, the party’s labour wing. His role places him among the most influential organisers within the party’s worker-focused structure.

Party sources stated that Sikder had recently been involved in preparations for a divisional labour rally scheduled to take place in Khulna in the near future. Following the shooting, his condition was initially described as critical, triggering concern among party members and supporters.

However, later updates from party officials indicated that the bullet caused only minor damage to his head. His condition has since stabilised, and he is currently out of immediate danger.

Shooting Comes Days After Student Leader Hadi’s Killing

The attack on Sikder occurred just days after the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a student leader whose death has sparked widespread agitation across Bangladesh. The incident has intensified political tensions and led to sustained protests demanding justice.

On December 12, Hadi was shot at close range while travelling in a battery-powered autorickshaw in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area. According to local media reports, two assailants riding a motorcycle pulled up alongside the vehicle and shot him in the head before fleeing the scene.

Hadi was initially taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors diagnosed a severe brain stem injury. Due to the critical nature of his condition, he was later transferred to Singapore on December 15 for advanced medical treatment.

He was admitted to the neurosurgical intensive care unit at Singapore General Hospital. Despite receiving intensive medical care, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Sharif Osman Hadi passed away on December 18.

Hadi’s Political Role and Public Impact

Sharif Osman Hadi was a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s student politics and played a key role in the student-led movement of 2024. He served as the spokesperson for the Platform for Revolution (Inqilab Mancha) and was considered an influential voice among politically active youth.

He was also preparing to contest the Dhaka-8 seat in Bijoynagar in the upcoming general elections. Following last year’s political upheaval, Hadi became known for his sharp criticism of India and its involvement in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, particularly after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India.

Nationwide Protests and Official Warnings

Hadi’s death triggered protests across the country, with demonstrators gathering at Dhaka’s Shahbagh crossroads and in several other locations. Protesters have been demanding swift justice, transparency in investigations, and the immediate arrest of those responsible.

Authorities have assured the public that strict action will be taken against those involved in the killings. At the same time, they have repeatedly warned against further violence, urging restraint as tensions remain high.

The back-to-back attacks on political figures have once again raised serious concerns over Bangladesh’s internal security and the safety of activists, as the nation grapples with mounting unrest and uncertainty.