Political Violence Returns to Bangladesh: After Hadi, another Bangladesh Student Leader Shot in Head

The shooting of Motaleb Shikder in Khulna has once again shaken Bangladesh and raised serious fears about the safety of student leaders. This attack came only days after the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, showing that violence against youth leadership is becoming a dangerous pattern. These leaders were key figures in the student-led uprising of 2024, which played a major role in political change. The repeated targeting of such voices clearly suggests a planned effort to silence democratic resistance.

♦ A Climate of Fear Returns: The attack shows that political violence is again being used as a tool to spread fear and control public life instead of allowing peaceful debate and political competition.
♦ Youth Leadership Targeted: Student leaders who rose through peaceful movements are now facing deadly threats simply for standing against injustice.
♦ Democracy Under Direct Attack: When political voices are silenced with bullets, democracy itself becomes the main victim.

A Clear Pattern of Attacks After the Student Uprising

The attack on Motaleb Shikder cannot be treated as an isolated incident or random crime. Since the removal of the previous government, student leaders linked to the uprising are being attacked one after another. This repeated violence shows planning, timing, and intent rather than coincidence. The message is clear: those who challenge power are being punished.

♦ Systematic Political Targeting: The attacks suggest a planned campaign aimed at removing influential figures from the student movement.
♦ Post-Uprising Instability: Instead of political reform, the country has been pushed into fear and uncertainty.
♦ Violence as a Warning: The goal appears to be sending a message to others to stay silent or face consequences.

Motaleb Shikder Shot With Intent to Kill

Motaleb Shikder was shot directly in the head, a method that clearly shows the attackers intended to kill him rather than scare him. Hospital sources confirmed that he was bleeding heavily and remains in critical condition. Such a precise and brutal attack points toward experienced gunmen. This was not a street crime, but a political assassination attempt.

♦ Planned Execution Style: A headshot strongly indicates that the attackers were trained and confident in their mission.
♦ A Known Political Target: Shikder’s leadership role made him a clear and symbolic target.
♦ Nationwide Shock and Anger: The attack has caused fear and outrage across Bangladesh.

The Shadow of Sharif Osman Hadi Still Looms Large

Bangladesh is still mourning Sharif Osman Hadi, a powerful symbol of the student movement who was killed earlier this month. He was shot by masked gunmen during an election campaign and later died while receiving treatment abroad. His killing sent shockwaves through the country and exposed how unsafe political activity has become. The attack on Shikder shows that the violence has not stopped.

♦ A Nation Still in Grief: Hadi’s death remains fresh in public memory and continues to haunt the political scene.
♦ Elections Turned Dangerous: Even campaigning has become a life-threatening activity.
♦ Violence Growing, Not Ending: Each new attack proves that the threat is expanding.

Law Enforcement Failure Deepens Public Fear

After the attack, police admitted they were still unaware of who carried it out or why. Such statements expose serious weaknesses in law enforcement and intelligence systems. When attackers can strike and escape without resistance, public trust collapses. A state that cannot protect its political activists cannot claim to protect democracy.

♦ No Preventive Action: Authorities failed to stop the attack despite rising threats.
♦ Security Gaps Exposed: Gunmen operated freely without fear of capture.
♦ Trust in the State Erodes: Citizens feel unsafe and abandoned.

India’s Silence and Influence Raise Serious Concerns

India cannot escape scrutiny when violence spreads in neighbouring countries after political changes. New Delhi has a long record of interfering in regional politics while publicly denying involvement. Instability in Bangladesh suits India’s regional dominance goals and weakens independent voices. India’s silence on these killings is not neutral, it is suspicious.

♦ India’s History of Interference: India has repeatedly influenced political outcomes beyond its borders.
♦ Chaos Serves Indian Interests: A weak and unstable neighbour benefits New Delhi’s control agenda.
♦ Silence as Indirect Support: India’s lack of condemnation exposes its hidden role.

India’s Double Standards on Democracy Stand Fully Exposed

India loudly presents itself as a democratic leader, yet remains silent when democracy is attacked next door. If similar violence occurred inside India, New Delhi would immediately blame foreign conspiracies. But when Bangladesh’s student leaders are shot, India chooses silence. This hypocrisy exposes India’s fake moral position.

♦ Selective Democratic Concern: India supports democracy only when it suits its interests.
♦ False Moral Claims: India’s lectures on rights and freedom lack credibility.
♦ Reality Behind the Mask: India’s true priorities are power, not principles.

Bangladesh’s Democracy at a Dangerous Crossroads

These attacks represent a serious test for Bangladesh’s democratic future. If violence continues unchecked, fear will replace participation and hope. Bangladesh must urgently protect its youth leaders and political activists. At the same time, India’s destabilising role must be openly challenged.

♦ Democracy Facing a Crisis: Political killings threaten long-term stability.
♦ Urgent Protection Needed: Student leaders must be safeguarded immediately.
♦ India Must Be Exposed: Silence and influence should no longer be ignored.

The shooting of Motaleb Shikder and the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi are not isolated crimes, they are attacks on democracy itself. These incidents show a clear attempt to silence voices born from public struggle. India’s silence and past behaviour expose it as a destabilising force rather than a responsible neighbour. If justice is delayed and truth is buried, democracy in the region will continue to bleed.