NCP's labour wing launches probe over shooting of Motaleb Sikder
The organisation voices anger at police role
An investigation committee has been formed by the National Citizen Party's (NCP) labour wing Sramik Shakti over the shooting of its central organiser and Khulna divisional head Motaleb Shikder.
The announcement came at an emergency press conference held at the Khulna Press Club tonight (22 December).
In a written statement, Khulna district convener of Sramik Shakti Ashrafuzzaman Khan said the organisation has constituted an internal investigation committee to verify allegations surrounding the incident.
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"If the investigation finds that Motaleb Shikder was involved in any immoral activities or violated organisational discipline, strict action will be taken against him," he said.
He also said preliminary information gathered after the incident had raised "serious concerns" and made the incident even more alarming.
He said Motaleb Shikder is currently undergoing treatment and that many aspects of the incident depend on his recovery.
According to the organisation, the shooting was a premeditated attack carried out at a rented house belonging to a couple identified as Tonni and Miraj, which they believe points to an attempted assassination.
At the press conference, Sramik Shakti leaders also strongly criticised the police, alleging that their statements amounted to blaming the victim.
"The police are trying to divert attention from the main crime by citing national security and election issues. This appears to be a planned attempt to shield those responsible and protect criminals," Ashrafuzzaman alleged.
Motaleb Sikder was shot around 11:45am at a house on Masjid Goli, adjacent to Gazi Medical College Hospital in Khulna.
Police said the house had been rented last November by a young couple - Tonni and Miraj. Local sources said Sikder used to visit the house regularly.
Following the shooting, Tonni and Miraj went into hiding. During a search of the room where the incident took place, police recovered signs of drug use, including narcotics-related equipment, as well as a spent bullet shell.
Shikder was taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where doctors said the bullet did not penetrate his skull but ruptured the skin of his head. Hospital sources said he is currently out of danger.
Police, however, have suggested that the shooting may have stemmed from a dispute involving drugs and personal relations.
After visiting the scene, Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) Deputy Commissioner (South) Tajul Islam said the case had become more complicated due to the disappearance of the tenant couple.
He added that police operations are underway to identify and arrest them.
