527 hurt in 68 political violence incidents in Sept: HRSS

Four people were killed and at least 527 injured in 68 incidents of political violence across Bangladesh in September, according to the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS).

The rights organisation released the figures on Saturday, based on reports from 16 national media outlets, its own data collection and fact-finding reports.

According to HRSS, 35 incidents involved internal BNP conflicts, leaving 340 injured and one dead. Seven BNP-Jamaat clashes injured 61 people, while six BNP-Awami League clashes left 42 injured and one dead. Two Jamaat-Awami League clashes left three injured and one dead.

Three BNP-NCP clashes injured 16 people, while seven clashes between BNP and other parties injured 15. Seven other incidents involving various political parties left 50 injured and one dead. Of the four people killed, two were from the Awami League, one from BNP and one from Jamaat.

At least 20 people were injured in two clashes linked to the upcoming local government elections. HRSS attributed most political violence to struggles for dominance, political disputes, electoral competition, intra- and inter-party conflicts and extortion.

Intra-party conflicts, political disputes and electoral competition fuel unrest, it says 

The report also recorded 12 attacks on political leaders and activists, leaving seven dead and five injured. At least 15 political activists sustained gunshot wounds. Another 23 incidents involving clashes, attacks, looting, vandalism and arson targeted 63 homes, businesses and party offices.

More than 23 cases were filed against political activists, naming 529 people and around 687 unidentified accused. At least 21,208 people were arrested in 287 incidents involving political matters, joint operations and special drives.

Mob violence claimed nine lives and injured 32 people in 35 incidents.

HRSS also recorded 20 incidents of abuse or harassment involving 35 journalists. Sixteen journalists were injured, 12 assaulted or humiliated, three threatened and one detained. Three journalists were accused in four cases, with one detained under the Cyber Security Act.

Law enforcement agencies allegedly obstructed six meetings and rallies, injuring 47 people. In 12 incidents involving restrictions on freedom of expression, 14 people were detained and 12 cases were filed against 26 individuals.

At least 21 accused people died in prisons, while three others died during or allegedly as a result of law enforcement custody.

The report also recorded 88 incidents of worker abuse, leaving 29 dead and at least 121 injured. Another 46 workers died in workplace accidents linked to unsafe conditions and inadequate protective equipment.

Women and girls remained particularly vulnerable, with HRSS recording 236 victims of violence. They included 79 rape victims, 47 of whom were below 18. Domestic violence left 43 women dead, 27 injured and 26 dead by suicide.

A further 271 children faced abuse, with 78 killed and 193 suffering physical or mental abuse, according to the report.