Rights Group ASK Seeks Restraint Amid Post-Poll Unrest
Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) on Sunday expressed deep concern over incidents of violence, deaths, and attacks on political opponents following the national election and referendum, calling on political parties to exercise restraint and urging the relevant authorities to ensure accountability.
In a statement, the human rights organisation urged political parties to immediately instruct their grassroots activists to refrain from retaliatory violence, intimidation, land grabbing, and assaults, particularly against women, minorities, and socially vulnerable communities.
Referring to media reports, ASK stated that at least two people were killed in Munshiganj and Bagerhat districts, while more than 200 others were reportedly injured in clashes and attacks across several districts after the polls.
The organisation also voiced alarm over allegations that a woman was subjected to sexual violence, describing the incident as not only a criminal offence but also a grave violation of human dignity and fundamental rights.
“The state has a constitutional obligation to ensure the life, safety, and dignity of every citizen,” the statement said, underscoring the urgent need to protect vulnerable groups during the volatile post-election period.
ASK emphasised that political differences can never justify violence or human rights violations and cautioned against any attempts to normalise or ignore such acts.
The organisation further called on law enforcement agencies and the administration to conduct prompt, impartial, and credible investigations into every reported incident and to bring those responsible to justice through due legal process.
