ASK Reports Surge in Political Violence and Journalist Harassment Ahead of Elections
Incidents of political violence and harassment of journalists have been rising ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections scheduled for tomorrow, according to the human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK).
Analysing data collected every ten days from January 1 to February 10, ASK found a gradual increase in political violence.
In the first ten days of February alone, at least two people were killed and 489 injured across 58 incidents of political violence, according to the organisation’s data.
Between January 21 and 31, four people were killed and 414 injured in 49 such incidents, while from January 11 to 20, two were killed and 176 injured in 18 incidents. In the first ten days of January, five people were killed and 26 injured in eight incidents.
Referring to published media reports, ASK noted that 47 journalists faced harassment in the first ten days of February, compared to just 11 in January.
Candidates from 50 political parties registered with the Election Commission, along with independents, are contesting the elections. The Awami League, ousted from power on August 5, 2024, amid a mass uprising, remains barred from participating in the polls.
