Is There a Rise in Violence Across Bangladesh?
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Synopsis
Explore the alarming rise in violence across Bangladesh as a leading human rights organization highlights severe issues including political turmoil, mob violence, and increasing threats to journalists, women, and children. Discover the shocking statistics and calls for urgent action to protect human rights in the country.
Key Takeaways
- 168 deaths and 248 injuries reported from mob violence.
- Over 539 journalists faced violence.
- Political violence resulted in 133 fatalities in the past year.
- 2,047 women and girls suffered violence in 2025.
- Urgent calls for action to address human rights violations.
Dhaka, Jan 2 (NationPress) A prominent human rights organization in Bangladesh has raised alarms regarding the growing violence plaguing the nation in 2025. This includes political and electoral violence, mob attacks, lynchings, journalist harassment, extrajudicial killings, along with violence against women and children.
In its latest findings, the Dhaka-based Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) disclosed that a minimum of 168 individuals lost their lives and 248 sustained injuries in 292 incidents of mob violence and lynching, triggered by accusations of theft, robbery, power struggles, and alleged religious defamation.
The report highlighted that 133 lives were claimed and 7,511 individuals were injured across 914 incidents of political violence throughout the previous year. This turmoil was attributed to political struggles, retaliatory strikes, clashes during rallies, disputes related to committee formations, election-related violence, extortion, and conflicts over territory. As the nation approaches the 13th national parliamentary election scheduled for February, 54 election-related incidents resulted in three fatalities and 494 injuries, as reported by the Bangladeshi daily Bonik Barta.
Moreover, journalists in Bangladesh faced an alarming rise in violence in 2025, with 539 cases involving killings, injuries, assaults, or harassment across 318 incidents. Among these, three journalists lost their lives, 273 were injured, 57 faced assaults, 83 were threatened, and 17 were arrested, while 107 journalists were implicated in 34 cases.
The HRSS also expressed distress over extrajudicial killings and deaths occurring in police custody and prisons throughout Bangladesh. The report indicated that 40 individuals were killed during operations by law enforcement agencies in 2025. Additionally, 10 people died while attempting to escape police or due to health issues, alongside 92 individuals who perished in custody due to illness, suicide, or torture.
Focusing on the atrocities against women, the report noted that 2,047 women and girls encountered violence in 2025. Among them, 828 were raped, including 474 children, while 179 faced gang rape, and 28 women were murdered post-rape. The violence against women also resulted in 10 suicides. Furthermore, 414 women encountered sexual harassment, 35 were murdered due to dowry-related violence, and 383 lost their lives to domestic abuse. Among children, 1,371 suffered abuse, with 288 fatalities.
HRSS Executive Director Ijajul Islam urged for cohesive efforts from Bangladeshi authorities and society to strengthen the rule of law, democratic processes, and human rights safeguards.
“The human rights situation could further deteriorate without addressing issues like mob violence, custodial deaths, political tension, election-related violence, and limitations on free expression,” Bangladesh’s prominent newspaper, The Business Standard, quoted him as saying.
Bangladesh has been grappling with a rise in violence and a deteriorating law and order situation since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took office.
Point of View
We acknowledge the serious implications of the escalating violence in Bangladesh. The findings from the Human Rights Support Society highlight an urgent need for a national dialogue and action to restore peace and uphold the rights of all citizens. We stand in solidarity with those advocating for justice and human dignity.
NationPress
08/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the rise in violence in Bangladesh?
The increase in violence is attributed to political struggles, mob attacks, election-related tensions, and harassment of journalists. The HRSS report highlights these factors as key contributors.
How many people have been affected by mob violence?
The HRSS report indicates that at least 168 individuals were killed and 248 injured in 292 incidents of mob violence and lynching.
What measures are being called for to improve the situation?
HRSS Executive Director Ijajul Islam has urged for coordinated efforts from authorities and society to strengthen the rule of law and protect human rights.
What is the situation for journalists in Bangladesh?
In 2025, over 500 journalists faced violence, including killings, injuries, and harassment, indicating a troubling trend for press freedom in the country.
What types of violence are women experiencing?
The report highlights significant violence against women, including rape, domestic abuse, and dowry-related murders, with thousands affected.
