The human rights situation in Bangladesh remained “sensitive and volatile” in June, marked by a surge in mob lynchings, deadly political infighting, and increasing restrictions on freedom of expression, according to a monthly monitoring report by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS).
The report, compiled from data across 16 national dailies and HRSS’s own fact-finding, revealed that at least 40 people were killed in political and mob-related violence throughout the month.
Escalating political feuds
Political violence saw a sharp rise compared to May, with 9 deaths and 346 injuries recorded in 58 separate incidents. A significant portion of this violence stemmed from internal power struggles within the BNP, which accounted for 21 incidents resulting in three deaths and 146 injuries. Clashes also erupted between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, as well as the BNP and the Awami League.
The HRSS noted that much of the violence was fueled by attempts to establish local dominance, extortion, and internal party feuds. Beyond the casualties, at least 45 homes, businesses, and party offices were looted, vandalized, or set on fire during these disputes.
Alarming rise in mob justice
The report highlighted a disturbing trend in “mob violence” or public lynchings, which claimed 31 lives and left 69 others injured in 63 incidents. These attacks were often triggered by allegations of theft, robbery, or religious defamation. Furthermore, law enforcement officials were not immune to the volatility; 66 members of various agencies were injured in 29 incidents involving mob attacks or attempts to snatch accused individuals from custody.
Crackdown on dissent and media
Freedom of expression and press freedom faced significant hurdles in June. The HRSS recorded that 47 journalists were harassed or tortured across 39 incidents, with five journalists detained and 12 others facing legal charges.
The report also flagged a growing trend of arrests related to social media activity. At least 11 people were detained for exercising their freedom of expression. Notably, six individuals were picked up for criticizing Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s daughter, Zaima Rahman, and other top BNP leaders. Additionally, nine people were accused under the Cyber Protection Ordinance-2025 in four separate cases.
Custodial deaths and border tensions
The HRSS expressed grave concern over custodial deaths and extrajudicial killings, reporting that three people died in law enforcement-related incidents—two in alleged “gunfights” and one in Detective Branch (DB) custody. Seven others died while in prison.
On the borders, tensions remained high. Two people were killed and two injured in five incidents along the India-Bangladesh border, while landmine explosions at the Myanmar border claimed three lives.
Violence against women and children
The statistics for gender-based violence remained harrowing, with 352 women and children falling victim to abuse in June. Among them, 106 were victims of rape, with an alarming 71% (75 victims) being children under the age of 18. Domestic violence also claimed 57 lives.
Call for accountability
Ejajul Islam, Executive Director of HRSS, described the overall situation as increasingly alarming. He specifically pointed to the “new wave of arrests and harassment” regarding social media opinions as a threat to fundamental rights.
“We urge the government to take more accountable and responsible steps to protect human rights,” Islam said, calling on civil society and the media to remain vigilant.
