Democracy Undermined by Widespread Rights Abuses: HRSS
Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has stated that from January to September 2025, the human rights situation in Bangladesh remains deeply concerning. Despite the fall of autocracy and the interim government assuming power, incidents of political violence, violence against women, abuses targeting minorities, and attacks on journalists have significantly increased, according to HRSS’s latest human rights monitoring report.
HRSS Executive Director Ejazul Islam shared these findings in a press release Thursday (9 October).
Political Violence: 107 Killed
From 692 political violence incidents during the nine‑month period, at least 107 people were killed and 5,579 injured. The majority of these incidents—about 587—stemmed from internal conflicts within the BNP, in which 61 BNP members were killed and 3,779 injured. Violence was also reported involving the Awami League, Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizen Party (NCP), and other parties. Property damage, arson, vandalism, and lootings affected 704 residences, party offices, businesses, and vehicles.
Attacks on Journalists Increasing
There were 236 attacks on journalists, during which 340 journalists endured killing, torture, harassment or threats. Two journalists were killed; 209 injured; 54 threatened; and 11 arrested. In addition, in 29 cases, 103 people were charged in relation to attacks on journalists. Under the Cyber Security Act-2023, 25 people were accused in 18 cases, and 13 journalists were arrested.
Mob Violence: 130 Killed
In 239 mob violence and lynching incidents, 130 people were killed and 212 injured. HRSS reports a rising trend of people being beaten to death, harassed, or humiliated on suspicion of theft or robbery.
Deaths in Prisons
During this period, 61 prisoners died across various jails in the country—19 were convicted inmates and 42 under trial. Among those who died, at least seven were leaders of the Awami League.
Attacks on Minorities
There were 22 attacks targeting minority communities, resulting in 5 injured. Five temples and 37 idols were vandalized and 38 minority‑homes attacked. Incidents of arson, looting, and attacks on minority residences occurred in districts including Rangpur, Jashore, and Rajshahi. Over 50 mazars (shrines) also faced damage, vandalism, or looting.
Deaths at the Border
Along the Bangladesh‑India border, 23 Bangladeshis were killed, 34 injured, and 56 arrested in 61 shooting incidents by BSF. Simultaneously, 3,264 Bangladeshis were “pushed back” across the border. At the Myanmar border, attacks by the Arakan Army left 2 injured, and 12 people were wounded in landmine explosions.
Violence Against Women & Children
The report said 1,511 women and girls suffered violence, of whom 663 were raped; 393 of rape victims were under 18. Also, 152 were gang‑raped, 19 raped then murdered, and 9 committed suicide. At the same time, 1,065 children faced violence, with 209 fatalities among them.
Law Enforcement Violence
28 people died in violence involving law enforcement: 8 in gunfights, 4 from abuse, 10 were in custody, and 6 were shot.
Cases, Arrests, & Political Reprisals
According to HRSS, there are 166 cases filed against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Awami League and other political figures. About 10,385 people have been named in those cases, with 34,137 unknown accused. During the period, 44,962 people were arrested, mostly members of Awami League or its affiliated groups.
Labor Rights Abuses
In 176 incidents of labor abuse, 74 workers were killed and 828 injured. Among them, 104 died due to unsafe working conditions or lack of safety equipment.
HRSS’s Call
HRSS says that the rise in human rights violations damages the country’s rule of law and democratic norms. The organization urges the government to take more responsible actions to protect human rights.
