India, Jan. 9 -- A surge in shootings, political violence and intimidation across the country has raised serious concerns about the law-and-order situation ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election on 12 February. Opposition parties and rights groups warn that the pre-poll environment is deteriorating rapidly, with escalating attacks creating widespread anxiety.

The latest incident occurred on Wednesday night, when Azizur Rahman Musabbir, former general secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan North Swechchhasebak Dal, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the Tejturi Bazar area behind Bashundhara City Shopping Complex. Another man, Anwar Hossain, was injured in the attack.

Police said the assailants opened fire shortly after 8:00pm ne...