The Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, has called upon the interim administration to dismantle the climate of intimidation currently gripping the nation. In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, 23 January 2026, the veteran leader warned that a series of “clandestine attacks” are being systematically orchestrated to derail the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and subvert the democratic transition.
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The Keraniganj Ambush: A Catalyst for Concern
The statement was prompted by a violent assault on Hasan Molla, 42, the General Secretary of the Hazratpur Union BNP in Keraniganj. On the night of Thursday, 22 January, unidentified gunmen opened fire on Mr Molla directly in front of the party’s local headquarters in Keraniganj Model Upazila.
The victim is currently undergoing medical treatment for gunshot wounds, and the brazen nature of the attack—occurring at a political hub—has sent ripples of anxiety through the opposition’s grassroots activists.
Overview: Escalating Threats to Political Stability
| Incident Component | Details of the Keraniganj Attack |
| Primary Victim | Hasan Molla (General Secretary, Hazratpur Union BNP) |
| Location | Keraniganj Model Upazila Party Office |
| Timing | Late night, 22 January 2026 |
| Method | Targeted shooting by unidentified “miscreants” |
| BNP Demand | Immediate arrest and exemplary punishment for perpetrators |
| Broader Context | Part of a perceived “sabotage” of the 13th General Election |
“Saboteurs in Hiding”: Fakhrul’s Warning
Mr Alamgir expressed his profound alarm over the deteriorating law and order situation, suggesting that elements of the former “autocratic regime” are still operating from the shadows. He argued that after the student-led revolution successfully ousted the previous government, these “remnant forces” have pivoted to guerrilla-style tactics to foster anarchy.
“There is no alternative to bringing the attackers of Hasan Molla to justice,” Fakhrul asserted. “If these individuals are allowed to remain at large, they will undoubtedly escalate their efforts toward larger-scale sabotage and national destabilisation. The government must guarantee a level playing field where voters and activists are free from the shadow of the gun.”
The Imperative for National Unity
The BNP Secretary General emphasised that the restoration of the “right to vote” is inextricably linked to the restoration of public safety. He urged citizens from all walks of life—regardless of their political leanings—to remain vigilant and united against those attempting to hijack the electoral process.
The statement concluded with a demand for the immediate apprehension of those involved in the recent spate of attacks against BNP activists across the country. Expressing deep empathy for the victims and their families, Mr Alamgir called for an urgent overhaul of the security apparatus to ensure that the 13th National Polls are held in an atmosphere of genuine peace and transparency.