Rising Human Rights Concerns in Bangladesh Ahead of International Human Rights Day

On the eve of International Human Rights Day, rights organizations and monitoring groups have raised alarm over the worsening human-rights situation in Bangladesh. Recent reports indicate a notable increase in extrajudicial killings, custodial deaths, political violence, and harassment of journalists over the past several months.

40 Extrajudicial Killings Reported

Human rights monitors report that at least 40 individuals were killed without trial between August 2024 and September 2025 under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. Breakdown of the reported deaths:

• 19 shot dead,
• 14 allegedly died from torture,

• 7 beaten to death in custody.

   

In addition, 88 custodial deaths occurred during the same period, while 35 deaths were reported in incidents along the border involving foreign security forces. Rights groups say these trends reflect a persistent culture of impunity and weak accountability among law-enforcement agencies.

October Marks Spike in Political Violence

A separate monthly report notes that October 2025 saw 64 incidents of political violence, resulting in 10 fatalities and over 500 injuries nationwide. Clashes spanned party lines, with analysts attributing the escalation to partisan tensions and insufficient policing.

Journalists Under Threat

Media-freedom monitors documented widespread intimidation and harassment of journalists during October:

• 48 journalists faced threats, assaults, intimidation, or legal harassment,
• one journalist in Bagerhat was fatally hacked,

• another media worker in Dhaka died under suspicious circumstances.

   

Press advocates warn that independent reporting is increasingly conducted under threat of retaliation, creating a hostile environment for media professionals.

Attacks on Vulnerable Communities

Reports also highlight incidents of mob violence, attacks on minority communities, gender-based violence, and forced border pushbacks. Several minority households were reportedly targeted during religious gatherings, raising concerns over communal safety.

International Concern Intensifies

Global human-rights organizations and UN observers have expressed growing alarm at Bangladesh’s human-rights record. They urge authorities to:

• investigate extrajudicial killings and custodial deaths,
• hold security forces accountable,
• protect journalists and political activists,
• safeguard minority and marginalized communities,
• review restrictive laws curbing free expression and civic engagement.

Diplomatic sources note that Bangladesh’s human-rights performance is increasingly under international scrutiny.

A Call for Reflection and Reform

As Bangladesh prepares to observe Human Rights Day, rights advocates stress the need for urgent reforms to restore public trust. They emphasize that safeguarding basic rights — including freedom of expression, due process, and political participation — is crucial for sustaining democracy.

“Human rights are not optional,” one advocate said. “They form the foundation of justice, equality, and national progress.”

Immediate Steps Recommended

Rights groups recommend several priority measures:

• transparent investigation into killings and disappearances,
• protection of journalists and human-rights defenders,
• stronger oversight of law-enforcement agencies,
• enhanced safeguards for minorities and marginalized populations,

• restoration of a free and safe civic environment.

   

Civil society leaders say Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture, where the path taken will determine whether democratic values are preserved or further undermined.