Human Rights Violations Continue to Surge Across Bangladesh

Human rights violations are occurring at every level across the country, with rising incidents of killings, mob violence, political clashes, child abuse, custodial deaths, and violence against women. Authorities are struggling to bring the situation under control as law enforcement personnel themselves frequently come under attack while on duty. Experts warn that a culture of fear has taken hold in society, creating deep concerns, and emphasize that human rights must be upheld universally rather than through political perspectives.

Today, along with the rest of the world, Bangladesh is observing International Human Rights Day 2025, under the theme “Human Rights as the Foundation of Our Daily Lives.” On this occasion, the National Human Rights Commission and various rights-based organizations organized human chains, rallies, and discussion sessions.

According to data from Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), from January to November this year, 383 incidents of political violence resulted in 98 deaths and 4,476 injuries. A total of 241 individuals have been victims of sexual violence.

Family-based violence remains alarming: 532 women experienced domestic or spousal abuse, of whom 316 were killed. There were 71 cases of dowry-related abuse, resulting in 18 housewife deaths. Among 15 abused domestic workers, three died.

Child abuse continues to be widespread, with 963 children subjected to various forms of violence in 11 months, half of whom faced sexual abuse. A total of 373 children were killed during this period.

Journalists haven’t been spared either: 270 journalists were harassed, and two were murdered by assailants. Minority communities faced 104 incidents of arson attacks, assaults on businesses, and intimidation.

A total of 20 people have died in law enforcement custody or through extrajudicial means — four killed in so-called ‘gunfights,’ while nine died before or after arrest through physical torture. Additionally, 95 inmates died in prison, 64 of whom were under trial. India’s Border Security Force (BSF) was responsible for 28 Bangladeshi deaths through firing or torture. Meanwhile, 184 people were killed in mob violence and vigilante attacks.

Data from the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) reveals 852 political violence incidents, causing 129 deaths and 6,966 injuries in the past 11 months. Attackers targeted 5 temples, 37 idols, and 38 homes, while four cases of minority land grabbing were reported. Labor-related violence claimed 89 worker lives and injured 1,020 others.

Dr. Touhidul Haque, Associate Professor at Dhaka University’s Institute of Social Welfare and Research, stated that human rights in Bangladesh are viewed through political lenses, prompting comparisons between governments. He warned that unless human rights are treated as universal values, instability will continue. He stressed that human rights should be integrated into societal beliefs and everyday life.

Bangladesh joins the global community today in observing Human Rights Day 2025, emphasizing the urgency of upholding fundamental rights for all.