The Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has reported a sharp rise in political violence, mob attacks, and lynchings across Bangladesh in 2025, describing the country’s human rights situation as “deeply concerning and alarming.”
The organisation released its annual report, “Human Rights Situation in Bangladesh 2025,” on Thursday.
According to the report, at least 133 people were killed and 7,511 injured in 914 incidents of political violence, most of which were linked to internal party conflicts and rivalries for dominance.
Mob violence and lynchings claimed 168 lives and left at least 248 people injured in 292 incidents. Many killings were reportedly linked to alleged theft, religious misinformation, or communal unrest, highlighting a severe erosion of law and order, HRSS said.
The report also highlighted attacks on journalists. In 2025, 539 journalists were harassed or attacked across 318 incidents, with at least three killed and 273 injured.
Media offices were targeted, and journalists faced arrests and lawsuits, reflecting increasing attempts to suppress press freedom.
Women and children were among the most vulnerable. The report notes that 2,047 women and girls abused last year, including 828 rape cases, of which 474 involved children under 18. Additionally, 1,371 children were abused, leaving 288 dead.
Deaths in confrontations with law enforcement were another concern. At least 40 people were killed in clashes with law enforcement, in custody, or during alleged gunfights, while 92 prisoners died in jail, raising questions about state accountability.
Border incidents also remained alarming. According to HRSS, 32 Bangladeshis were killed by Indian Border Security Forces (BSF), and thousands were forcibly pushed back across the border.
The organization warned that political tensions and security risks could escalate ahead of the upcoming national elections.
HRSS urged the government to adopt a more accountable and responsible approach to safeguard human rights and stressed that ensuring law, democracy, and human rights requires coordinated efforts from the state, political parties, civil society, and the media.
