Khulna divisional head and central organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP)-affiliated labour wing Sramik Shakti, Motaleb Sikder, was shot in the head at a rented house in Khulna on Monday.
Police investigations have since revealed the presence of alcohol, drugs and other illicit materials at the scene, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The incident took place around 11:45am in a rented room on the ground floor of Mukta House at Al Aqsa Mosque Road in the Sonadanga police station area.
Motaleb was later taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH), where doctors confirmed that he is now out of danger.
According to police and medical officials, the bullet did not enter Motaleb’s skull.
The projectile grazed his left ear, cutting the scalp before exiting.
A CT scan showed no internal injury.
Drugs, alcohol found at scene
Following the shooting, joint teams from police, CID, RAB and other law enforcement agencies raided the rented flat.
Officers recovered six empty alcohol bottles, drug paraphernalia, equipment used for yaba consumption and other signs of illicit activities.
One spent bullet shell was also recovered from the ceiling of the room where the shooting took place.
Police sources said a party involving alcohol and drugs had taken place at the flat the night before the incident.
The house had been rented since November 1 by a young woman named Tanvi, who introduced a young man as her husband.
According to the house owner’s family, several men frequently visited the flat.
Ashrafunnahar, wife of house owner Aminul Islam Kochi, said Tanvi claimed to be an NGO worker and paid Tk8,000 in monthly rent.
“We later learned about her antisocial activities and served her a notice to vacate the house this month. But the incident happened before she could leave,” she said.
After the shooting, Tanvi reportedly locked the flat and went into hiding.
Police said efforts are underway to locate her.
Conflicting versions emerge
Immediately after the incident, rumours spread that Motaleb had been shot following a beating at a roadside tea stall.
However, police later said CCTV footage and preliminary investigation contradicted that version.
Footage shows Motaleb leaving the rented house at around 10:59am, covering his ears, while being assisted by an associate.
He was later taken by rickshaw to Khulna Medical College Hospital.
Khulna Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Tajul Islam said police initially received information that an NCP leader had been shot near Gazi Medical College Hospital, but investigators could not find any evidence or witnesses at that location.
“Later, we analyzed CCTV footage from a nearby pharmacy and traced the incident back to the rented room at Mukta House. There, we found drugs, alcohol and evidence of antisocial activities,” Tajul said.
He added that preliminary findings suggest the shooting stemmed from an internal dispute among those present at the flat.
“Many others are connected to this incident. Once we question the victim further, more details will emerge. We expect to bring all those involved to justice very soon,” he said.
Extortion dispute angle probed
Police sources said Motaleb had previous associations with criminal elements, including alleged involvement in extortion activities with individuals linked to a known criminal figure in Khulna.
Investigators are probing whether the shooting resulted from a dispute over distribution of extortion money.
Officials also said Motaleb initially gave misleading information to police, claiming he was shot from the street.
According to multiple sources, Motaleb had previously been involved in Sramik League politics and later joined NCP’s labour wing following the change of government.
He worked as a truck driver by profession.
Political claims
NCP leaders have rejected the police findings and alleged political motives behind the shooting.
NCP Khulna Metropolitan organizer Ahmed Hameem Rahat claimed Motaleb was shot in Sonadanga and rescued by locals.
He alleged that Khulna has become “a sanctuary for terrorists” and accused Awami League-linked groups of orchestrating violence.
Meanwhile, NCP Khulna district Chief Coordinator Mafuzul Hasan Faizullah claimed that Motaleb was dragged from his car near the hospital, beaten and shot by “Awami terrorists,” a version police say is not supported by evidence so far.
Motaleb’s mother Rabeya Begum, wife Fahima Akhter and their three-year-old daughter rushed to the hospital after learning of the shooting.
His family said they last spoke to him on Sunday evening, when he told them he was at KMCH to check on an injured worker and would later go out to buy sandals.
“There was no further contact that night. The next morning, we were told he had been shot,” a family member said.
