2,653 Injured, 12 Killed in 700 Election-Related Clashes Across Bangladesh: HRSS

More than 2,653 people were injured and 12 killed in over 700 incidents of election-related violence surrounding Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, according to a report by Human Rights Support Society (HRSS).

The report was presented on 9 March at a views-exchange meeting held at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in Banglamotor, Dhaka.

According to HRSS, the overall situation of violence surrounding the election was deeply concerning. Between October 2025 and February 2026, at least 2,653 people were injured and 12 killed in more than 700 violent incidents related to the election process.

During this period, at least 45 people were shot, while more than 600 houses, vehicles, business establishments, election offices, and polling centres were vandalised, looted, or set on fire.

The report noted that violence intensified after the election schedule was announced. Between 11 December 2025 and 11 February 2026, at least 1,650 people were injured and five killed in 254 incidents of violence.

A significant portion of these clashes resulted from conflicts among nomination seekers of different political parties, deprived candidates, party activists, and supporters, particularly due to intra-party rivalries.

In internal conflicts within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) alone, at least 595 people were injured and three killed in 68 incidents.

Additionally, 915 people were injured and one person killed in 100 clashes between supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

Regarding election-day irregularities, HRSS reported that although the overall environment appeared relatively peaceful, numerous violent incidents and irregularities were recorded across the country.

A total of 393 incidents of irregularities, disorder, or clashes were documented nationwide. These included:

• 149 incidents of disorder at polling centres
• 105 clashes between supporters of rival candidates
• 59 cases of ballot stuffing
• 19 incidents where polling agents were forced out
• 18 cases of obstruction to entering polling centres
• 13 incidents of negligence by responsible officials
• 6 attacks on candidates
• 3 incidents of ballot box snatching
• 2 cases of arson

Authorities also arrested 50 individuals, withdrew 13 presiding or polling officers, imposed penalties or fines in 55 incidents, and reported that five journalists were injured. Voting was cancelled at three polling centres.

The report further highlighted post-election violence and retaliatory politics as one of the most alarming aspects of the election period.

Following the announcement of the election results, more than 450 people were injured in over 260 clashes across at least 30 districts. During this period, over 400 offices, businesses, and residential houses were vandalised, looted, or set on fire.

In five separate incidents, four youths and one child were killed.

The HRSS report also documented violence and degrading treatment against women linked to election activities.

From the announcement of the election schedule until 11 February, at least 40 women were harassed and 23 injured in 32 incidents. Additionally, 25 women were injured in 10 post-election attacks, and one allegation of rape was reported.

Reported incidents included forcing female activists to remove their hijabs, obstructing their campaigns, physical assaults, humiliation, and targeted attacks due to their political participation.