At least six people were killed and over 164 others sustained injuries in various incidents of political violence across the country in July 2026, according to a report by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS).
The rights organisation released its monthly human rights monitoring report on Monday, compiled from data gathered by its local representatives and reports published in 16 national dailies.
The report noted that while the number of casualties decreased compared to June—which saw nine deaths and 346 injuries—the situation remains concerning.
Political Violence and Arrest
Of the 45 recorded incidents of political violence, 14 were attributed to internal BNP conflicts, resulting in two deaths and 48 injuries. Clashes between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami left 44 injured, while BNP-Awami League (AL) and BNP-NCP clashes resulted in 13 and 38 injuries respectively.
In other inter-party clashes, five people were killed: two from the BNP and three from JSS and UPDF.
The report further highlighted that “miscreants” targeted political activists in seven incidents, killing five people (one from the AL and four from the BNP).
At least 15 activists were shot during the month. Nine incidents of Violence linked to establishing dominance and extortion led to the vandalism, looting, or arson of 40 houses, businesses, and party offices.
Regarding legal actions, over 41 cases were filed against political activists, naming 887 individuals and accusing approximately 5,019 unnamed persons. A total of 9,157 people were arrested in 193 separate incidents. These arrests included 318 members of the Awami League, 28 from the BNP, seven from the NCP, and one from Jamaat-e-Islami.
Furthermore, special drives by joint forces led to the arrest of more than 8,795 individuals, the majority of whom were activists from the Awami League, Jubo League, Swachasebak League, and the banned Chhatra League, as well as suspected terrorists and extremists.
Mob Violence and Media Harassment
HRSS expressed grave concern over “mob violence” and “mass beatings,” reporting 17 deaths and 51 injuries in 49 incidents. These incidents were triggered by various allegations, including theft, robbery, and religious defamation.
The media also faced significant pressure, with 55 journalists reportedly harassed or tortured in 36 incidents. Among them, 21 were injured, nine were assaulted, eight were threatened, and three were detained. Additionally, 14 journalists were accused in eight separate cases.
Freedom of Expression and Assembly
The report said law enforcement agencies directly or indirectly obstructed nine political meetings, resulting in 20 injuries. Freedom of expression was also curtailed; eight people were detained and eight cases were filed for social media posts or public comments.
These included one person detained for criticising the Speaker, another for comments regarding the wife of the Prime Minister’s defence adviser, and three for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.
Furthermore, 17 people were accused in three cases filed under various sections of the Cyber Protection Ordinance 2025, leading to three arrests.
Custodial Deaths and Labour Rights
Three individuals died in the custody of law enforcement agencies—two in police custody and one in DB custody. Additionally, 10 inmates (two convicts and eight detainees) died in prisons; two of the deceased were affiliated with the Awami League.
The labour sector also saw significant rights violations. Twenty-three workers were killed and 72 injured in 79 incidents of torture. Another 55 workers lost their lives in workplace accidents attributed to unhealthy environments and a lack of protective equipment.
Violence Against Women and Children
The HRSS report documented that 258 women and children were victims of violence in July. This includes 95 cases of rape, with 61 victims being under the age of 18. Eleven women and girls were victims of gang rape, while 78 others faced sexual harassment
Domestic violence claimed 45 lives, and 23 women reportedly committed suicide. Furthermore, 180 children faced various forms of abuse, resulting in 34 deaths.
Call for Accountability
HRSS Executive Director Ijajul Islam said the persistence of political violence, mob justice, and the harassment of journalists and activists is alarming. He specifically highlighted the new wave of arrests and legal actions related to social media opinions as a major concern.
He urged the government to take “accountable and responsible steps” to protect human rights and called upon civil society and the media to play a more active role in monitoring the situation.
