A senior labour leader associated with Bangladesh’s student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) was shot in the head on Monday in the southern city of Khulna. The incident has further intensified tensions in the country, which has already been witnessing violent protests following the killing of student activist Sharif Osman Hadi.

The victim has been identified as Muhammad Md Motaleb Sikder, aged 42. He is a central organiser of the NCP’s labour wing, known as Jatiya Sramik Shakti, and also serves as the party’s divisional convener for the Khulna region. According to Bangladeshi media reports, Sikder was attacked around midday while he was at a house in the Sonadanga area of Khulna.

Police officials confirmed that Sikder was rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital immediately after the shooting. At first, doctors described his condition as critical, which raised serious concerns about his survival. However, later medical examinations revealed that the bullet had only grazed his skull. As a result, his condition has stabilised, and he is now reported to be out of danger.

Animesh Mondol, an investigating officer at Sonadanga police station, provided details about the nature of the injury. He said that the bullet entered near Sikder’s ear and exited after piercing the skin. The shot narrowly missed vital areas of the head, which prevented life-threatening damage. Police have stated that further investigation into the attack is currently underway.

This shooting marks the second attack on a leader of the National Citizen Party in the same month. The incident has added to growing concerns over safety and law and order as political unrest continues to spread across Bangladesh. Party leaders believe the attack is closely linked to Sikder’s active role in party activities.

According to party sources, Sikder had been deeply involved in organising preparations for an upcoming divisional labour rally in Khulna. The rally was scheduled to take place in the coming days and was expected to draw significant participation. His involvement in mobilising workers and coordinating party efforts may have made him a target, party leaders suggested.

The shooting occurred just days after the killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, an incident that has sparked widespread protests across the country. Hadi’s death has triggered anger among students and supporters, leading to demonstrations and violent clashes in several regions. The situation has resulted in heightened political tension and growing concerns over public safety.

Since Hadi’s killing, protests have erupted in different parts of Bangladesh, with reports of unrest and confrontations. The violent nature of some demonstrations has raised alarms about the deteriorating law-and-order situation. Authorities have been closely monitoring developments as tensions continue to rise.

The National Citizen Party itself is a relatively new political force in Bangladesh. It was formed earlier this year following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The party emerged from the Students against Discrimination movement and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee. With its roots in student activism, the NCP has become Bangladesh’s first major student-led political party.

The recent attack on Sikder highlights the challenges faced by political activists during this period of unrest. As investigations continue, police have not yet released details about the suspects or the motive behind the shooting. Authorities have assured that all necessary steps are being taken to identify those responsible.

Meanwhile, political observers note that incidents like this reflect the growing instability in the country following recent political changes. With protests continuing and party leaders being targeted, concerns remain over how the situation will evolve in the coming days.

For now, Sikder remains under medical observation as police proceed with their investigation. His survival has come as a relief to party members, but the attack has further deepened fears about political violence during an already volatile period in Bangladesh.