Identity of Woman Arrested in NCP Leader Shooting Uncovered

New details have emerged following the shooting of a senior labour leader affiliated with Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party (NCP) in the city of Khulna, shedding light on the identity of a woman arrested in connection with the incident and raising troubling questions about criminal activity linked to the location of the attack.

The victim, Motaleb Shikder (42), is a central leader of Jatiya Sramik Shakti, an associate organisation of the NCP, and currently serves as its Khulna Divisional Chief. He sustained a gunshot wound to the head during a violent incident that occurred late on Sunday night in the Sonadanga area of Khulna. Although the bullet narrowly missed being fatal, the incident prompted widespread concern within political and labour circles.

Following the incident, a criminal case was filed at Sonadanga Police Station on Tuesday (23 December). The case was lodged by the victim’s wife, Rahima Akhter Fahima, who named Mosa Tanima, also known as Tanbi, as the principal accused. Tanima holds the position of Joint Member Secretary of the Khulna District unit of Jatiya Jubo Shakti, the youth wing associated with the NCP. The case also names seven to eight unidentified individuals as accused.

According to police and the owner of the flat where the incident occurred, the premises had allegedly been used for drug consumption and other unlawful activities. Investigators revealed that Motaleb Shikder and Tanima had rented the flat while presenting themselves as husband and wife. However, police later confirmed that Tanima is legally married to another man, identified as Tanvir Sheikh.

Khulna Metropolitan Police’s Deputy Commissioner (South), Tajul Islam, stated that Motaleb arrived at Tanima’s residence around midnight on Sunday, accompanied by two associates, and remained there overnight. On Monday morning, a group of four to five individuals reportedly entered the flat, assaulted him, and demanded money. During the confrontation, a firearm was discharged as a threat, with the bullet grazing his scalp before exiting. Despite his injury, Motaleb reportedly walked himself to hospital while the assailants fled the scene.

Police sources confirmed that a subsequent raid on the flat led to the recovery of drug paraphernalia, including items associated with yaba consumption. Investigators also claimed to have obtained video footage allegedly indicating further immoral activities, though details have not been publicly disclosed due to the ongoing investigation.

The incident has also sparked debate over Motaleb Shikder’s political background. Although he joined the NCP only in September through the recommendation of a party leader, he previously maintained close associations with figures from the Awami League and Sramik League, including prominent labour leader Zakir Hossain Biplob. Social media images showing him alongside politically influential figures have further fuelled controversy.

NCP Khulna Metropolitan organiser Rahat Hossain clarified that the shooting was not linked to party activities, stating that it was a “strictly personal matter” and that the organisation would not accept responsibility for the incident.

As police continue efforts to apprehend the armed suspects and recover the weapon used, the case has highlighted concerns surrounding the intersection of politics, crime, and personal conduct—issues now firmly under the scrutiny of law enforcement.

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