Amid the tensions from the death of Osman Hadi in Bangladesh, Motaleb Shikdar, 42, the Khulna divisional chief of the National Citizen Party, was shot in the head and suffered critical injuries on Monday.
Shikdar was a key figure in the organisation of the 2024 protests that led to the deposing of former leader Sheikh Hasina. He is the chief of the Khulna division of the NCP and the central organiser of Shramik Shakti.
Miscreants opened fire, aiming for his head at the city’s Sonadanga area at around 11:45, the Daily Star reported.
He has been taken to Khulna Medical Hospital, Sonadanga Model Police Station investigation officer Animesh Mondol said. The bullet entered through one side of the ear and exited through the other side of the head.
Police were deployed to the scene after Shikdar was taken to the hospital by locals. Details of his current condition and the motive behind the attack are unknown.
Hadi, was also shot in the head on December 12. He succumbed to his injuries on December 15, as he was undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital.
Sharif Osman Hadi was a youth political leader who was known for forming the Inqilab Manch. He quickly built support for his group by organising rallies and demanding recognition of the July uprising against the Sheikh Hasina government. He was also known for his anti-India and anti-Awami League statements.
His killing triggered protests and unrest in several parts of the country