Political Violence Surged in November, 12 Killed: HRSS

Incidents of human rights violations, including political violence, increased significantly in November compared to October. In particular, arrests, border-related incidents, and violence against women and children have risen. These findings were highlighted in the November human rights report released by Human Rights Support Society (HRSS). The organization shared this information in a statement on Wednesday (3 December). The report was prepared based on newspaper reports and HRSS’s own investigations.

According to the report, political violence increased considerably in November. Most incidents of violence related to dominance disputes, political rivalry, assembly-centered clashes, internal conflicts over nominations in the upcoming 13th national election, disputes over committee formation, extortion, and occupation of various establishments rose from 64 in October to 96 in November. The number of deaths also increased compared to October. HRSS states that 12 people were killed and at least 874 injured in November, whereas 10 were killed and 513 injured in October.

The HRSS report states that due to the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) failing to take effective measures to stop killings and torture along the border, such incidents continue uninterrupted. In November, one person was killed and four injured by BSF gunfire. The Arakan Army captured 26 fishermen along with four trawlers from the Naf River. As a result, Bangladeshi citizens living in border areas are living in fear and anxiety.

HRSS notes that the situation regarding violence against women and children has deteriorated. In November, 177 women and 103 children were victims of various forms of abuse. Among them, 48 women, including 25 minors, were raped.

In addition, incidents of mob beating or mob violence increased alarmingly in November. In 20 mob-beating incidents, 16 people were killed during the month. In 23 incidents involving journalist harassment, 36 journalists faced attacks, threats, or harassment, and under the Cyber Security Act 2025, 9 people were arrested in 7 cases.

HRSS further states that throughout the month, 38 political cases were filed and 1,993 people were arrested.