A senior leader of the BNP was shot dead in Lokhmikunda union of Pabna's Ishwardi upazila this morning.

The deceased, Md Biru Mollah, 75, was the president of the BNP's Lokhmikunda union unit.

Police and locals said criminals shot him inside his house in Kamalpur village, and he died on the way to Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex.

The upazila health officer said the victim had severe injuries to his head and mouth, with splinters and signs of torture. He died before being brought to the hospital, he said.

When this correspondent called BNP-nominated candidate of the Pabna-4 constituency Habibur Rahman, his nephew Md Paban received the call and confirmed the political identity of the victim.

When asked about the motive behind the killing, he declined to comment without confirmation.

Officer-in-Charge of Ishwardi Police Station Md Mominuzzaman said, "Primarily, we have learned that previous enmity and a land dispute were behind the killing."

Police are investigating the incident, the OC said.

Locals said Biru Mollah had a long-standing dispute with his brother Johurul over shoal land.

A tense situation prevails in the area following the incident, locals added.

Police have been kept on alert to maintain law and order, the OC added.