Drug paraphernalia seized in flat where NCP leader shot

Police investigating the shooting of National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Mohammad Motaleb Sikder have recovered drug paraphernalia from the rented flat where the incident occurred, pointing to a possible dispute linked to "anti-social activities".

Sikder, the Khulna divisional convener and central organiser of the NCP's labour wing Jatiya Sramik Shakti, was shot in the head on Monday, December 22, around midday on the ground floor of Mukta House in Al Aqsa Masjid Sarani, Sonadanga.

He is now out of danger and receiving treatment at Khulna Medical College Hospital, where doctors confirmed the bullet grazed his skull without penetrating deeply.

Khulna Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Tajul Islam told reporters that initial findings suggest the shooting stemmed from an internal row. "Various items used for drug consumption were recovered from the room," he said. "It appears the victim and others were engaged in anti-social activities, and the incident arose from a disagreement among them."

Police sources allege that Sikder and his associates had been consuming yaba tablets, alcohol, and spending time with women in the flat overnight. 

The young woman who rented the premises in November – posing as an NGO worker and claiming to live there with her "husband" – has gone missing since the shooting.

The houseowner, Ashrafunnahar, said the tenant had been issued a notice to vacate after complaints about frequent male visitors and suspicious behaviour, but the incident occurred before she could leave.

CCTV footage shows Sikder, supported by two or three men, staggering towards the main road around 11:10 am while clutching his head. He later travelled to hospital by rickshaw.

Prior to joining the NCP after last year's political changes, Sikder was active in Awami League-affiliated labour politics and reportedly close to relatives of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Authorities say several others are involved and expect more details once Sikder can be questioned. 

A manhunt is underway.