The overall human rights situation in Bangladesh reached an alarming, complex, and violent state in January 2026, according to a monthly monitoring report by the Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF).
The report highlighted a significant surge in political and electoral violence throughout the month, coinciding with the lead-up to the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12.
Electoral and political violence
MSF documented 64 incidents of electoral violence in January, resulting in four deaths and 509 injuries.
Notable fatalities include the brutal killing of Jamaat-e-Islami leader Rezaul Karim in Sherpur and the death of BNP leader Kamal Uddin in Kishoreganj. Additionally, 24 other incidents of political violence were reported, leaving 215 people injured.
The report also revealed a disturbing trend in custodial and prison fatalities, which have increased significantly compared to December.
In January, two individuals died in the custody of law enforcement agencies – specifically in Rangpur and Chuadanga under police and army custody – while 15 inmates died in prison.
Allegations of torture have fueled public insecurity, including a report from Meherpur prison where a prisoner was allegedly blindfolded and repeatedly beaten by prison guards, an incident MSF described as a “humanitarian disaster” within the prison system.
Mass arrests and legal lack of transparency
MSF noted a trend toward politically motivated and mass legal filings following the fall of the previous government.
In January alone, the number of accused individuals in various cases rose sharply, with 120 named defendants and 320 unnamed individuals. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies arrested 22,057 people during special operations throughout the month.
Violence against women and children took a “horrific turn” in January, with 257 reported cases of abuse.
This includes 34 instances of rape, 11 gang rapes, and three murders following rape. Among the victims were five women and children with disabilities.
The media also faced significant pressure, with 27 journalists attacked or tortured while performing their professional duties.
Another three journalists faced legal harassment, and the Cyber Security Ordinance was reportedly used to suppress dissent, with four new cases filed in a single month.
Border security and minority rights
The situation at the border remained critical, with one Bangladeshi killed by BSF torture and another injured by BSF gunfire. Panic spread in border areas after the Indian Coast Guard detained 24 Bangladeshi fishermen.
Additionally, 15 incidents of attacks on minority communities and the vandalism of idols were recorded, which the report identified as a threat to communal harmony.
Advocate Sultana Kamal, the Founder President of MSF, has urgently called upon the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of citizens.
She demanded immediate neutral investigations into these incidents, an end to the culture of impunity, and comprehensive reforms of law enforcement agencies to address the ongoing crisis.
