'Mob violence kills 71 in 90 days'

At least 17 people were killed and more than 1,227 injured in 183 incidents of political violence across Bangladesh between July and September, while 54 people died in mob violence, 37 prisoners died in custody or jail, and hundreds of women, children and workers suffered abuse, according to a Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) report. 

The quarterly human rights monitoring report, released on Monday, also documented violence against journalists, alleged extrajudicial killings, minority persecution, border casualties and widespread violations of fundamental rights.

Based on reports published in 16 national media outlets and the organisation’s own fact-finding, the report found that political violence largely stemmed from intra-party conflicts, rivalries between political groups, struggles for dominance, extortion, land grabbing and election-related disputes.

Of the 183 incidents, 161, or 88 per cent, involved internal BNP conflicts or clashes between the BNP and other political parties. Infighting within the BNP accounted for 69 incidents, leaving nine people dead and at least 540 injured. Clashes between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami in 31 incidents left one person dead and 338 injured, while 16 clashes between the BNP and Awami League killed two and injured 81. Fourteen clashes between the BNP and National Citizen Party (NCP) injured 70 people.

The report recorded 17 deaths in political violence, including nine BNP members, two Jamaat members, three Awami League members and three people affiliated with other groups. Six election-related incidents injured at least 45 people, including 36 in four incidents of BNP infighting.

Beyond party clashes, 23 incidents involving attacks on political leaders and activists left 14 people dead and at least 10 injured. At least 42 political figures sustained gunshot wounds. In 51 incidents, more than 153 homes, businesses and party offices were attacked, looted, vandalised or set on fire.

The report also documented 137 incidents of mob violence, in which 54 people were killed and 145 injured over allegations ranging from theft and robbery to religious desecration and sexual violence.
Journalists, activists face abuse: At least 135 journalists faced abuse or harassment in 88 incidents. Sixty-three were injured, 27 humiliated, 18 threatened and nine detained. Eighteen journalists were accused in four cases under cyber security legislation.

Law enforcement agencies allegedly obstructed 18 meetings and rallies, resulting in 128 injuries and eight detentions. The report also recorded more than 126 cases against political activists, naming 2,541 accused and approximately 7,915 unidentified suspects. At least 2,577 activists from different political groups were arrested in political cases, including 2,412 Awami League members, 112 BNP members, 36 Jamaat members and 17 NCP members. Separately, more than 37,000 people were arrested in routine and special operations.

Deaths in custody: At least 37 accused people died in prisons, including 14 convicted prisoners and 23 awaiting trial. Six people died in law enforcement custody or allegedly as a result of torture, while five others died attempting to flee arrest. The report also raised allegations that businessman Shamim Khan was abducted by plainclothes personnel in Mirpur before being charged under anti-terrorism legislation two days later.

Border killings: Along the India-Bangladesh border, 11 incidents involving the Indian Border Security Force left four people dead and four injured, all reportedly shot. Six people were detained, and a woman’s body was recovered. On the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, four incidents left two people dead in landmine explosions, while others were injured or detained.

Women, children and workers bear heavy toll: The report recorded 71 deaths and at least 260 injuries in 251 incidents of abuse against workers. Workplace accidents linked to unsafe conditions and inadequate protective equipment killed another 164 workers.

At least 783 women and girls experienced abuse. Of 253 rape victims, 154 were children or adolescents; 42 were gang-raped, 12 murdered after rape and one died by suicide following rape. Domestic violence killed 137 women, injured 68 and led to 72 suicides. Dowry-related abuse killed 13 women and injured 17, while 220 women and girls experienced sexual harassment.