Bhubaneswar: Bangladesh witnessed a renewed surge of political violence on Monday after Md. Motaleb Sikder (42), a central leader of the National Citizens Party (NCP) workers’ organisation, was shot at in Khulna, according to local media reports. Sikder serves as the Khulna divisional chief of the NCP and a central organiser of NCP Sramik Shakti.
Party sources said Sikder was actively preparing for a divisional labour rally scheduled to be held in Khulna in the coming days. His shooting has further heightened political tensions in a country already grappling with unrest following recent high-profile killings.
The incident comes amid nationwide protests triggered by the December 12 shooting and subsequent death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi (32), a spokesperson of the student-led group Inqilab Mancha. Hadi succumbed to his injuries days after the attack, prompting widespread demonstrations and a day of state mourning across Bangladesh.
Violence Escalates in Dhaka
Following Hadi’s death, protests intensified in Dhaka, with reports of arson attacks on the offices of prominent newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, as well as the residence of a former minister from the previous Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government. The residence of India’s Assistant High Commissioner in Chattogram was also attacked, raising concerns over diplomatic security.
Sheikh Hasina Blames Interim Government
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from power in August 2024 after student-led protests, has blamed the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government for the deteriorating law-and-order situation.
“This tragic killing reflects the lawlessness that uprooted my government and has multiplied under Yunus,” Hasina said in a statement. “Violence has become the norm while the interim government either denies it or is powerless to stop it.”
A Nation on Edge
Sharif Osman Hadi was among the prominent leaders of last year’s student movement that led to the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024. His death has reopened deep political fault lines, with rival groups accusing the interim administration of failing to protect political activists, journalists, and public institutions.
With repeated shootings, attacks on media houses, and rising street protests, analysts warn that Bangladesh is facing a deepening security and political crisis, even as the interim government struggles to restore stability and public confidence.
-OdishaAge
