Human Rights Situation Worsens in February; Five Killed in Post-Election Clashes, MSF Reports
The human rights situation in Bangladesh deteriorated in February compared to January, according to a recent monitoring report by a human rights organization.
The report highlights a surge in post-election violence, political arrests, violence against women and children, and incidents along the border throughout the month. Although the 13th parliamentary election on February 12 passed without major incidents, clashes and unrest erupted across the country after the results were announced.
Data shows there were 799 victims of election-related violence in February, across 136 incidents. Among them, five people, including a child, were killed, and 794 were injured. Of these incidents, 65 occurred before the election with 385 injuries, 14 happened on election day with 98 injuries, and post-election unrest resulted in five deaths and 311 injuries.
The report also noted that 40 leaders and activists associated with political groups were arrested in connection with protests and movements, including one related to the quota reform movement.
Regarding violence against women and children, there were 253 reported incidents in February, including 33 cases of rape, 12 gang rapes, and five cases of rape followed by murder. Victims included adolescent girls and women with disabilities.
Border incidents were also highlighted, including reports of torture of Bangladeshi nationals, detention of fishermen by foreign forces, and shootings near the Bay of Bengal. A child critically injured by gunfire from across the Myanmar border died during treatment, and five fishermen were detained along with their boat near the Naf River.
The report concluded that these events have created widespread anxiety and fear among border communities and called for effective accountability, impartial investigations, and stronger preventive measures to address the deteriorating situation.
