166 Killed in Mob Lynchings, 86 in Political Violence in 2025: MSF

Human rights organisation Manabadhikar Sanskriti Foundation (MSF) has reported that political violence, mob lynching, deaths in custody, recovery of unidentified bodies, and attacks on journalists increased in 2025.

Based on statistical monitoring using data published in the media, the organisation described the overall human rights situation in Bangladesh as alarming.

MSF presented these findings at a press conference held today, Wednesday, at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity.

The organisation stated that the continuous shrinking of democratic space, lack of accountability, and failures of law enforcement agencies have further complicated the situation.

According to MSF, election-centred violence and internal conflicts within political parties increased throughout the year. At the same time, allegations of extrajudicial killings, torture, and deaths in custody during law enforcement operations continued. In addition, legal harassment of journalists under the Cyber Security Act and ordinances remained ongoing.

MSF further claimed that many individuals were shown arrested in old cases and sent to prison through judicial processes, which narrowed democratic space and limited citizens’ ability to express political opinions.

According to MSF data, in 2025, a total of 5,604 people were affected in 599 incidents of political violence. Among them, 86 were killed and 5,518 were injured, including 97 people who sustained gunshot wounds.

Among the deceased were 65 members of the BNP, 8 members of the Awami League, 3 members of Jamaat-e-Islami, and 10 general citizens whose political affiliation could not be confirmed.

Following the announcement of election dates, 252 people were affected in 26 incidents related to nominations and campaign activities, including 3 deaths and 249 injuries.

In addition, 234 people were affected in 169 attacks on political leaders and activists, resulting in 47 deaths and 187 injuries.

MSF reported that 67 cases related to government overthrow and the July–August mass uprising were filed this year. These cases named 7,780 individuals and listed an additional 11,179 unidentified accused. The organisation stated that 29 of these cases include the name of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

MSF further stated that 3,695 leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations were arrested in cases related to the anti-discrimination student movement and government overthrow, following the declaration banning the party’s activities.

Additionally, under the joint forces’ operation titled “Operation Devil Hunt,” launched in February, 22,284 people were arrested, of whom 11,313 were identified as being associated with the former Awami League government.

MSF reported that a total of 212,800 people were arrested nationwide in 2025 through special police operations and various cases.

While some cases were resolved quickly, approximately 4.52 million cases remain pending in higher and lower courts, making timely justice difficult.

MSF stated that extrajudicial killings continued throughout the year. In 2025, at least 22 people were killed and 13 seriously injured by gunshots in 19 incidents of alleged “crossfire” or gunfights. Among these, 12 people were killed in eight joint operations led by the army. Other deaths occurred during separate operations conducted by the Coast Guard, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), RAB, and other security forces.

Deaths in custody also increased. MSF recorded 20 deaths in law enforcement custody this year. Among these, six deaths in police custody, including two women, were described as suicides.

In addition, eight men died while fleeing arrest during law enforcement pursuits, which the organisation described as extremely concerning.

MSF reported that 116 prisoners died in jails in 2025. Of them, 112 died due to illness, one committed suicide, one died following mob beating, one death was mysterious, and one died due to torture. The deaths of two Indian nationals due to illness in prison were also recorded. Among the deceased were 41 convicted prisoners, 73 undertrial detainees, and one female undertrial detainee, who was reported to have died by suicide.

Journalists were also under pressure throughout the year, MSF stated. In 2025, 641 journalists were affected in 289 incidents. Among them, one journalist was killed, 295 were attacked or injured, 163 faced threats or humiliation, and 170 incidents of legal harassment were recorded. Forty-six cases were filed against journalists, and 12 journalists were arrested. The organisation also mentioned the December 18 attack on the offices of a leading national daily, without naming any outlet.

Violence against women and children increased at an “alarming” rate, according to MSF. This year, 2,014 incidents of violence against women and 1,928 incidents against children and adolescent girls were recorded.

A total of 92 incidents of violence against religious and ethnic minorities were also documented, which is slightly lower than the previous year.

MSF reported a sharp rise in mob violence or lynching incidents, noting that 166 people were killed and 460 injured in 428 mob beating incidents this year.

The organisation also described the recovery of 641 unidentified bodies as an indication of extreme insecurity.

MSF called on the government to form an independent commission to investigate allegations of abduction, extrajudicial killings, torture, and deaths in custody.

It also recommended strengthening protection for journalists and minorities, improving healthcare services in prisons, preventing mob violence through accountable policing, fully implementing the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, and strengthening the National Human Rights Commission.

Present at the press conference were MSF Chief Executive Advocate Saidur Rahman, Project Coordinator Mohammad Tipu Sultan, and Human Rights Monitoring Officer Tanina Khatun.