Dhaka, July 31: Between April and June 2026, violence and political conflicts in Bangladesh resulted in the deaths of 74 individuals. According to a quarterly report by the Dhaka-based human rights organization, Ain o Salish Kendra, 33 fatalities were due to mob attacks, while political violence accounted for 41 deaths, with 970 others injured.
The report indicates that most victims of mob violence were suspected of theft or robbery. Some killings occurred during informal village councils or were linked to allegations of religious offense. The organization highlighted that this situation reflects a declining trust in law enforcement and the judicial system, prompting individuals to take the law into their own hands.
During this period, 57 incidents of internal conflict within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) were recorded, alongside two incidents within the National Citizen Party (NCP). Internal strife within the BNP resulted in four deaths and 400 injuries, while 16 individuals were injured in NCP conflicts.
The report noted that disputes within the BNP revolved around extortion, regional dominance, sale of excavated soil, local election tickets, party conferences, and political events. Several incidents involved the use of firearms and other lethal weapons.
The human rights organization accused some BNP leaders and activists of serious offenses, including extortion, land grabbing, kidnapping, sexual assault, attacks on educational institutions and government offices, obstruction of police duties, and assaults on political opponents.
Concerns were also raised regarding crimes against women. During the April to June period, 255 cases of sexual assault were recorded, involving 93 women and 161 girls. The organization stated that limited access to DNA testing, delays in medical reports, lack of protection for victims and witnesses, and pending cases in courts hinder timely justice for sexual assault victims.
The report also mentioned three alleged extrajudicial killings by security agencies. These included the death of an individual reportedly tortured in custody by the Detective Branch, a death resulting from police violence during a narcotics operation, and the shooting of a fisherman by a forest department patrol.
As of May 17, more than 85,000 prisoners were held in Bangladesh’s 75 jails, exceeding their capacity of 43,157. During this period, 16 inmates died due to illness. The organization identified overcrowding, inadequate food, and a shortage of doctors as serious issues within the prison system.
Additionally, the report documented several attacks on journalists during this timeframe. Seventeen journalists were injured, five were assaulted, four faced attacks, and seven received threats.
In conclusion, Ain o Salish Kendra called for an independent investigation into extrajudicial killings, torture in custody, and other human rights violations, demanding strict action against those responsible.
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