Is Political Violence in Bangladesh Escalating Before the Upcoming Election?
Synopsis
As Bangladesh gears up for its national elections on February 12, political violence has surged, raising concerns over safety and security. With 11 deaths and 616 injuries reported, the situation is critical. Will authorities restore peace before the polls?
Key Takeaways
Political violence in Bangladesh has surged ahead of national elections.
11 fatalities and 616 injuries reported in January.
Human rights organizations are calling for restraint and peace.
Journalists are increasingly targeted amid rising tensions.
Urgent measures are needed to ensure a safe electoral process.
Dhaka, Feb 3 (NationPress) As the law and order conditions deteriorate in Bangladesh under the leadership of interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus, a significant rise in political violence has been reported nationwide in anticipation of the February 12 national election. According to local media, citing a Dhaka-based human rights organization, casualties in January have markedly increased compared to December 2025.
The organization, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), has documented an alarming increase in political violence in January, recording 75 incidents that resulted in 616 injuries and 11 fatalities. This is a stark rise from just 18 incidents in December 2025, which resulted in 268 injuries and four deaths.
The report indicates that clashes intensified following the announcement of the election schedule and the commencement of campaigning on January 22.
From January 21 to 31, 49 clashes resulted in four deaths and 414 injuries, underscoring a troubling trend as election day approaches.
Moreover, the rights organization highlighted that journalists have also been targeted amid the surge in political violence, with 11 journalists facing obstruction or assault while on duty in December, a figure that rose to 16 in January, as reported by Bangladesh’s leading newspaper, The Daily Star.
Expressing alarm over the escalating violence, ASK urged political parties to exhibit restraint and foster peace during the campaign.
They also called upon law enforcement agencies to protect citizens and uphold their constitutional rights.
In recent reports, local media indicated that as campaigning commenced for the Bangladesh elections, rising violence—including threats and attacks targeting candidates and law enforcement—has raised serious concerns regarding the safety and integrity of the electoral process nationwide.
Since the campaign's inception, incidents of shootings, stabbings, vandalism, and clashes across various constituencies have reportedly led to numerous injuries and fatalities.
Furthermore, in several areas, election-related infrastructure such as camps, microphones, offices, vehicles, and even CCTV cameras at polling stations have been vandalized or looted.
Bangladesh is currently experiencing a surge in political violence as the February 12 election approaches.
The political parties that previously allied with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus to oust the democratically elected government of the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, are now caught in a fierce power struggle as they aim to secure victory in the forthcoming election.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach the rising political violence in Bangladesh with a sense of responsibility. The safety of citizens and the integrity of the electoral process must take precedence. Political parties should prioritize peace and dialogue over conflict, ensuring a secure environment for voters ahead of the elections.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the increase in political violence in Bangladesh?
The political violence has surged due to heightened tensions among political parties leading up to the national elections, following the announcement of the election schedule and the commencement of campaigning.
How many casualties have been reported in January?
In January, there were 11 deaths and 616 injuries reported as a result of political violence.
What has been the response of human rights organizations?
Human rights organizations like Ain o Salish Kendra have urged political parties to exercise restraint and called on law enforcement to protect citizens and uphold their rights during this tumultuous time.
What impact has the violence had on journalists?
Journalists have faced increasing risks, with incidents of obstruction and assault on the rise, highlighting the dangerous environment surrounding the elections.
What measures are being taken to ensure election safety?
Authorities are urged to implement measures to safeguard citizens and election infrastructure while ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
