Human rights situation in Bangladesh remained alarming in October amid political unrest and violence

Political instability, violence, social insecurity, and the weakening of the rule of law — all combined to make Bangladesh’s human rights situation alarming in October.

The information was revealed in the Monthly Human Rights Monitoring Report for October, published on Tuesday (November 4) by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS). The organization’s Executive Director, Ijazul Islam, released the report.

According to the report, incidents of political violence, attacks on journalists, violence against women and children, oppression of workers, attacks on minorities, and interference with freedom of expression all increased during October.

At least 64 incidents of political violence occurred during the month, leaving 10 people dead and 513 injured. Among them, internal clashes within the BNP resulted in 37 incidents, with 9 deaths and 286 injuries. In clashes between BNP and Awami League activists, 60 people were injured, while 137 were injured in BNP–Jamaat confrontations. In addition to political violence, 17 separate attacks left 9 political activists dead.

The report also noted an increase in incidents of journalist repression. In 34 cases, 48 journalists faced torture or harassment in October — 25 were injured, 11 humiliated, 9 threatened, and 2 arrested. The HRSS identified the hacking to death of journalist A.S.M. Hayat Uddin in Bagerhat on October 3 and the mysterious death of media worker Swarnamayi Biswas in Dhaka on October 19 as serious human rights violations.

At least 17 incidents of mob beating occurred during the month, killing 10 people and injuring 19 others. The HRSS termed the brutal mob killings in Naogaon and Gazipur as highly concerning.

The organization also reported two attacks on minority communities, injuring 13 people. The incidents took place at Durga Puja pandal in Mohanganj, Netrokona, and Shyama Puja pandal in Mymensingh.

Along the India–Bangladesh border, four incidents were recorded in which the BSF arrested four Bangladeshis, while locals in Tripura allegedly beat three Bangladeshis to death. The BSF also reportedly pushed back 135 Bengali-speaking people into Bangladesh.

Tension also persisted along the Myanmar border, where a Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) member was killed in a landmine explosion, and 18 Bangladeshi fishermen were reportedly detained by the Arakan Army.

The report further stated that violence against women and children rose sharply in October. A total of 221 women and girls were subjected to abuse, including 78 rape victims, 9 victims of gang rape, and 5 raped and then murdered. Four women were killed over dowry-related violence, while 49 women died in domestic violence incidents. Additionally, 133 children were victims of abuse, 34 of whom were killed.

The HRSS emphasized that a collective initiative involving political parties, civil society, journalists, and citizens is essential to ensure the rule of law and protection of human rights. The organization also urged the government to play a responsible role in safeguarding human rights across the country.