Hasan Molla, General Secretary of the Hazratpur Union unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Keraniganj, died on Saturday while undergoing treatment following a shooting incident, police confirmed.

The Keraniganj Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge, M. Saiful Alam, said Molla passed away at Holy Family Hospital in Dhaka at 4:00 PM. His body remains at the hospital.

The attack occurred on the night of January 22 around 9:00 PM in Jagannathpur, Keraniganj, in front of the 9th Ward BNP office, where Molla was speaking with party activists. He was critically injured by assailants’ gunfire and collapsed at the scene.

Molla was first taken to Square Hospital in Dhaka in critical condition. As his condition worsened, he was later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and then to Holy Family Hospital.

Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the killing and to apprehend those involved, though no arrests have been made so far.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed deep grief and strong condemnation over Molla’s death.

In a statement, he said Molla, a staunch believer in the principles and ideals of former President Ziaur Rahman and Bangladeshi nationalism, had actively participated in every democratic movement and struggle. “His loss is irreplaceable for the Hazratpur Union BNP.”

The BNP leader described Molla as a “resolute soldier of nationalistic forces” and said this was the reason he was targeted. He called the attack “a premeditated killing,” noting that the gunfire incident occurred two days earlier, leading to Molla’s death today.

Fakhrul also warned that this incident appeared to be part of a broader “master plan” aimed at destabilizing the country ahead of the 13th parliamentary elections.

He criticized the government’s inability to ensure law and order, saying that violent incidents continue unchecked, raising doubts about whether the upcoming election will be free and fair.

“National and international conspirators are actively pursuing violent strategies for political gain, but the government has failed to eliminate them,” Fakhrul said. “As a result, democratic leaders continue to fall victim to targeted killings. At this moment, it is essential for democratic forces to unite and resist these criminals.”

Fakhrul concluded by praying for Molla’s soul, demanding the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the perpetrators, and offering deep condolences to Molla’s family and relatives.