Political Violence Claims 328 Lives Under Interim Government
At least 328 people have lost their lives in political violence in Bangladesh from August 9, 2024, to December 31, 2025, according to a report released Wednesday by human rights organization Odhikar. The report, compiled using data from human rights defenders affiliated with Odhikar and verified media sources, shows that 238 people were killed and 6,704 injured in such violence in 2025 alone.
501 Engineers Question Interim Government’s Legitimacy, Call for Election Boycott
A total of 501 engineers, based both in Bangladesh and abroad and identifying themselves as believers in the ideals of the Great Liberation War, have rejected the upcoming national election, describing it as a “sham vote,” and have called for its boycott.
‘Bangladesh on the Brink’ Unveiled at Queen Mary University of London
The book Bangladesh on the Brink was unveiled at a program held at the seminar hall of Queen Mary University of London in East London on Tuesday evening. The event took place at 7:00 pm (London time) and was organized by BridgeBangla24.
Washington Post: Rising Attacks on Hindu Minorities in Bangladesh Ahead of Election
As the national election draws closer, attacks, killings, and vandalism of places of worship targeting the Hindu minority in Bangladesh have increased at an alarming rate, according to a report by the U.S. newspaper The Washington Post. The report states that political instability, polarization, the resurgence of Islamist groups, and a culture of impunity are deepening fear and uncertainty among minority communities.
Political Violence Intensifies Ahead of Bangladesh Election: 11 Killed, 616 Injured
Human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) says that incidents of political violence increased alarmingly in January, reaching a severe level. In just one month, at least 11 people were killed and 616 injured in 75 clashes across the country, directly calling into question the environment for a free and fair election.
Extremist Influence, Foreign Pressure Threaten Bangladesh’s Democracy: Sajeeb Wazed Joy
Speaking at a book launch in Kolkata, Sajeeb Wazed Joy warned that Bangladesh is facing extremist influence and foreign pressure, saying the upcoming election will not be free or fair and could push the country into deeper instability.
Women’s Political Rights Held Hostage by Religion-Based Politics
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has warned that the increasing influence of religion‑based politics is restricting women’s political participation and undermining gender equality and social diversity.
Lowest Number of Female Candidates in a Decade and a Half
In Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, women remain severely underrepresented, with only 65 female candidates around 3.5 percent contesting despite women making up nearly half of the electorate, highlighting persistent gender bias within political party nominations and the absence of enforceable legal safeguards.
Sheikh Hasina Seen Healthy and Confident
A delegation of the UK Awami League recently met with former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi. The five-member delegation, which traveled from London, held a nearly five-hour-long meeting with Sheikh Hasina on January 21. They returned to the United Kingdom on January 26 after completing their visit.
While candidates reach voters, diplomats engage power
While candidates campaign among the people, foreign ambassadors remain busy engaging with power centers highlighting the growing gap between voters and external influence in the election process.