Dhaka, Feb 27 (NationPress) Numerous allegations have emerged from opposition members, journalists, local entrepreneurs, and everyday citizens claiming that the political shift in Bangladesh during August 2024 was manipulated to wrongfully accuse innocent individuals in legal matters, as well as to resolve longstanding personal grievances, according to reports from local media on Friday.

This outcry coincides with a significant increase in legal cases filed throughout the nation following the political transition of 2024.

The leading Bangladeshi newspaper, Dhaka Tribune, citing information from the Bangladesh Ministry of Home Affairs and the Police Headquarters, reported that approximately 22,000 cases were documented nationwide between August 5, 2024, and the 13th national election, covering a timeframe of about one to one-and-a-half years.

Among these cases, at least 7,500 were related to political violence and vandalism, around 1,500 involved murder and attempted murder, and roughly 1,200 were filed under the Special Powers Act of 1974 and the Digital Security Act.

Moreover, over 2,000 cases were registered under laws pertaining to sabotage and explosives, while nearly 10,000 cases included allegations of theft, land grabbing, and assault.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister, Salahuddin Ahmed, stated that certain factions had wrongfully implicated many innocent individuals in various cases following the August 2024 political shift, asserting that police had been instructed to reassess these cases and provide reports.

According to findings from the Dhaka-based Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), at least 349 cases were filed against leaders and activists from several political parties, including the Awami League, between the demonstrations of July 2024 and January 31 of the following year.

The data indicated that 29,772 individuals were named as accused in these cases, while over 65,000 were listed as unidentified suspects.

The organisation noted that 222 journalists were implicated in 49 cases, with 834 journalists suffering from killing, torture, or harassment during the same timeframe. Additionally, 41 cases were lodged under the Cyber Security Act of 2025.

HRSS expressed alarm over what it termed a decline in the country’s law-and-order situation and human rights conditions, highlighting that following the July 2024 demonstrations, human rights violations, particularly those related to violence, continued.

As per police sources, Dhaka Tribune reported that chargesheets have been filed in 30 to 40 percent of the cases registered during the former Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, while just over 20 percent remain under investigation. In several instances, final reports have been presented, leading to the discharge of multiple accused individuals.

The tenure of the Yunus-led interim government was marked by attacks on minorities, journalists, and political opponents, resulting in a severe law and order situation in Bangladesh.