Dhaka, February 28: Following the political shift in August 2024, Bangladesh has witnessed a significant surge in legal cases, raising serious concerns. Opposition leaders, journalists, and human rights organizations allege that thousands of innocent individuals have been ensnared in legal battles, driven by personal vendettas and political retribution. This situation has intensified worries regarding the country’s law and order and human rights conditions.
Local media reported that these claims surfaced amid a rapid increase in registered cases nationwide since the political transition in 2024. According to Bangladesh’s Home Minister, Salahuddin Ahmed, many of the cases filed post-August 2024 have involved vested interests that have implicated numerous ordinary and innocent citizens. He stated that the police have been instructed to review these cases and submit a report.
Citing sources from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Police Headquarters, the Dhaka Tribune reported that approximately 22,000 cases have been registered across the country from August 5, 2024, until the 13th national elections. Among these, at least 7,500 cases were related to political violence and vandalism, while around 1,500 cases involved murder and attempted murder. Additionally, 1,200 cases were filed under the Special Powers Act of 1974 and the Digital Security Act.
Moreover, over 2,000 cases were registered under laws concerning vandalism and explosives, while nearly 10,000 cases included charges of theft, land grabbing, and assault. According to Minister Ahmed, the political changes in August 2024 have led to the entrapment of many innocent people by selfish elements, and he has directed the police to conduct a thorough review of these cases.
The Dhaka-based Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) revealed in its report that from the protests in July 2024 until January 31 of this year, at least 349 cases have been filed against leaders and activists of various political parties. The data indicates that 29,772 individuals were named as accused, while over 65,000 were listed as unidentified suspects.
The organization also reported that 222 journalists were implicated in 49 cases during this period. Additionally, 834 journalists have faced murder, torture, or harassment. During the same timeframe, 41 cases were filed under the Cyber Security Act of 2025.
Expressing concerns over the decline in law and order and human rights conditions, HRSS noted a continuous rise in human rights violations, particularly related to violence, following the July 2024 protests.
According to police sources, the interim government led by former Muhammad Yunus has seen 30 to 40 percent of the cases filed during its tenure result in charges, while over 20 percent are still under investigation. Several cases have concluded with final reports, leading to the acquittal of numerous defendants.
The 18-month term of Yunus’s interim government has been marked by attacks on minorities, journalists, and political opponents, leaving the law and order situation in Bangladesh precarious.
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