A prominent student and labour organiser has been shot in the head in a brutal daylight attack in Bangladesh, as political violence escalates dangerously ahead of the country's parliamentary elections scheduled for February.
Daylight Attack on a Prominent Organiser
Muhammad Motaleb Sikdar was targeted by unidentified assailants in the city of Khulna on Monday. The attackers shot him in the head, with the bullet passing through his ear. Medical professionals have confirmed that Mr Sikdar is now out of immediate danger, but he remains under close observation in hospital.
Unrest Triggered by Earlier Assassination
This violent assault is the latest incident in a wave of unrest that has swept across Bangladesh. The turmoil was sparked by the assassination of another radical youth leader, Sharif Osman Hadi. Hadi was shot on 12 December and succumbed to his injuries on 18 December.
His death triggered widespread and violent demonstrations, which included:
- The torching of buildings.
- Attacks on properties belonging to political parties.
- Attempts to target Indian diplomatic missions, reflecting anti-India sentiment among some factions.
Heightened Volatility Ahead of Elections
These consecutive attacks on youth leaders have dramatically heightened political volatility in Bangladesh with the national vote just weeks away. The situation has drawn international concern, with India issuing calls for peace and stability. The targeting of Mr Sikdar, a known figure in student and labour movements, underscores the severe tensions and raises serious concerns about the security environment leading up to the February elections.
