At least 23 people were killed and 56 injured in mob beatings and violence across the country in October. Seven houses and business establishments were attacked, while four were set on fire, according to a Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) report.
In a press release issued today (3 November), HRSS expressed concern over mob violence, saying 22 people were killed and 20 injured in 33 mob-beating incidents over allegations of theft, robbery, snatching and other offences. Meanwhile, 36 people were injured and one killed in 22 incidents of mob violence.
The report also said 12 people were killed and more than 334 injured in at least 70 incidents of political violence during the month. Ahead of the upcoming local government elections, six election-related violent incidents left 35 people injured and one killed.
Additionally, at least 11 attacks on political party leaders and activists left seven people killed and six injured.
Most incidents stemmed from attempts to establish dominance, political rivalry, attacks related to upcoming local government elections, intra-party conflicts, factional disputes and extortion.
Regarding attacks on journalists, HRSS said at least 46 journalists faced torture and harassment in 28 incidents. One journalist was killed, 31 injured, seven assaulted and six threatened. Another was accused in a defamation case over a news report.
The report recorded at least 15 incidents of interference with freedom of expression, leading to 20 arrests and 15 cases against at least 20 people. Three people were arrested and two cases filed over two incidents involving criticism of the prime minister.
Expressing concern over deaths in prisons, HRSS said at least 19 inmates died last month, including four convicted prisoners and 15 detainees. Two were members of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organisations, while the remaining 17 were ordinary inmates.
Three people were killed in clashes with law enforcement agencies. Two died while fleeing police during anti-gambling and anti-drug drives, while a woman suffered a fatal stroke after becoming frightened during a police raid on her home.
The report also documented at least four attacks on minority communities, involving vandalism and attacks on seven idols and three houses. One land-grabbing incident was also reported.
At least 71 incidents of worker abuse left 23 people dead and 134 injured. Another 38 workers died in workplace accidents linked to unhygienic conditions and inadequate protective equipment.
The report said 261 women and girls faced violence during October, including at least 82 rape victims. Of them, 42, or 51%, were girls and adolescents below 18.
HRSS Executive Director Ijazul Islam said some indicators of Bangladesh’s human rights situation improved during October, while others deteriorated.
He said political violence, election-related violence, campus violence, mob violence and lynching, prison deaths, deaths in shootings by law enforcement personnel, restrictions on freedom of expression, attacks on journalists, violence against women and children, border violence and worker abuse continued throughout the month.
“If these issues are not addressed, the human rights situation may deteriorate further,” he warned.
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