Political violence and human rights abuses have intensified across Bangladesh over the past 17 months, raising serious concerns ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election.
Nearly 195 people were killed and more than 11,200 injured in political clashes, while election-related violence since October 2025 left seven dead and over 1,400 injured, according to Human Rights Support Society (HRSS).
The rights group warned that weak law enforcement, poor oversight, and political indifference have allowed violations to continue despite limited administrative measures.
HRSS disclosed the findings at a press conference at the National Press Club on Wednesday, releasing two reports-Human Rights Monitoring (September 2024-January 2026) and Report on Violence Prior to the 13th National Parliament Election.
The reports document widespread violations during the interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, noting that extrajudicial killings, custodial deaths, mob lynchings, and restrictions on civil liberties have become increasingly frequent.
According to HRSS, internal conflicts within the BNP accounted for nearly 70 per cent of political deaths, while clashes involving the Awami League, Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Jatiya Party, and extremist groups also contributed to the toll. Terrorist and criminal attacks killed 156 people and injured 249, while more than 1,300 homes, businesses, vehicles, and party offices were vandalised or set on fire.
Mob lynching alone claimed 259 lives, including mentally challenged individuals, teenagers, and workers accused of theft or blasphemy, the reports said.
Journalists faced sustained harassment, with six killed and 379 injured, alongside threats, arrests, and legal action. HRSS warned that the Cyber Security Act 2023 and Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 contain vague provisions that risk further restricting freedom of expression and democratic space.
Extrajudicial killings and custodial deaths remain a major concern. At least 60 people were killed in alleged "gunfights" or police custody, while 127 died in prisons nationwide, many reportedly due to torture or denial of medical treatment. More than 55,000 arrests were made during special operations, with hundreds of cases filed against political leaders, raising fears of politically motivated targeting.
Freedom of assembly was also curtailed, with dozens of meetings and processions obstructed, leaving hundreds injured and several arrested.
Religious and minority communities faced attacks on temples, shrines, and homes, alongside land grabbing and vandalism of Baul cultural sites. Border violence was also reported, with 43 Bangladeshis killed by Indian forces and further casualties along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.
Women and children were disproportionately affected. HRSS recorded more than 2,600 cases of sexual violence against women and girls and over 1,800 cases of child abuse, along with dowry-related deaths, domestic violence, acid attacks, and workplace exploitation. Labour rights violations led to 164 protest-related deaths and 258 fatalities from workplace accidents.
Election-related violence further deepened the crisis. HRSS documented killings of political activists, attacks on at least 13 candidates, widespread voter intimidation, and gender-based violence against female campaigners, particularly targeting supporters of Islamist parties.
HRSS concluded that restoring the rule of law and protecting democratic participation require urgent, coordinated action by the government, civil society, the media, and human rights defenders.
"Mob violence, custodial deaths, political and electoral violence, and the suppression of free expression must be addressed immediately to prevent further erosion of human rights and democracy," the organisation said.
