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Mob violence kills 28 in August: HRSS
Published : Friday, 4 September, 2026 at 12:15 AM
Observer Staff Correspondent
Symbolic Photo
At least 28 people were killed and 62 injured in 53 incidents of mob violence across Bangladesh in August, according to a monthly report by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS). The report also recorded seven deaths and 536 injuries in political violence during the month.
Mob violence, political clashes, attacks on journalists and violence against women and children remained major human rights concerns in Bangladesh in August, according to the HRSS report.
In a statement sent to the media on Thursday, HRSS said the figures were based on news published by 16 national media outlets, information collected by the organisation and its fact-finding reports.
The report said mob violence took place over allegations including theft, robbery, mugging, arguments, attempts to gain control and alleged religious offences. At least 28 people were killed and 62 injured in the 53 incidents.
Political violence also increased compared with July. HRSS recorded 70 political violence incidents in August, leaving seven people dead and 536 injured. In July, 45 such incidents left six people dead and 164 injured.
Twenty incidents were linked to internal conflicts within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), leaving 152 people injured and five dead. Eighteen clashes between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami left 233 people injured and one dead. Seven clashes between the BNP and Awami League left 26 people injured and one dead.
Campus violence was also reported. At least 216 people were injured in 13 clashes involving student organisations. Eight clashes between Bangladesh Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir left 181 people injured.
HRSS said political violence was mainly linked to political disputes, internal party conflicts, attempts to gain control and extortion. It also recorded attacks, shootings, vandalism and arson in several districts.
More than 62 political cases were filed during the month. The cases named 1,125 people and included around 2,209 unnamed accused. A total of 12,823 people were arrested in 162 political and other incidents, according to the report.
The report said 45 journalists faced attacks or harassment in 32 incidents. At least 26 were injured, seven received threats and five were detained.
At least 249 women and girls faced violence in August. Seventy-nine were raped, including 46 under the age of 18. Family violence killed 49 women, while 31 were injured.
HRSS also recorded 282 cases of violence against children, with 77 children killed and 205 subjected to physical or mental abuse.
HRSS Executive Director Ijazul Islam said the country's human rights situation had become increasingly concerning. He called on the government to take responsible and accountable steps to protect human rights and urged citizens, journalists and civil society groups to play a more active role.
-HIS
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