DHAKA: In yet another high-profile shooting in the politically turmoil and violence-ridden Bangladesh, the leader of the National Citizens Party(NCP), Md Motaleb Sikder, was shot in the head. The row is deemed as the second high-profile shooting in the country in the aftermath of the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi. The growing political violence in Bangladesh reflects a complete internal security crisis, a disrupted law & order ecosystem and constitutional breakdown under the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus. The violence spiking beyond control reflects the ruptured state system amidst growing extremism.
Muhammad Motaleb Sikder is considered a central figure in the labour organisation/wing of the NCP. He was shot in the head on Monday, December 22, around 11:45 AM at a house in the Sonadanga area. He was working to organise a divisional labour rally for the NCP party in Khulna region when the attack took place. Sikder was shot in the left side of his head and is receiving treatment at a hospital. Reports say that his condition remains critical. NCP is known for its anti-India stance and provocative remarks, and it shares close ties with the Chief Advisor of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus.
This is the second high-profile target in Bangladesh after the death of Sharif Osman Hadi. He was a student leader who spearheaded the August 2024 violent students protest which led to the ouster of the elected regime of the Awami League under Sheikh Hasina. Osman Hadi was also aiming to contest the February 2026 elections of Bangladesh as an independent candidate. While he was campaigning on December 12, he was shot down.
Meanwhile, Chief Advisor of the interim government Muhammad Yunus holds close ties with the National Citizens Party(NCP). NCP is characterised by radical Islamist elements who have gained limelight post the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina regime and the takeover of the country’s administration by Muhammad Yunus. The radical elements of NCP continue to make provocative anti-India statements. They also urge and push for a strong nexus with Pakistan at the cost of strategic ties with India.
After the attack on Osman Hadi, an NCP leader had made strong anti-India remarks targeting the Northeastern region of India. “Seven Sisters will be separated from India”, NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah had said at a protest rally. The latest shooting down of the NCP leader Md. Motaleb Sikder reflects the spiking internal rift within the political landscape of Bangladesh.
