Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB) has expressed grave concern over a spate of violent incidents across the country following the 13th national parliamentary election, which have resulted in at least two deaths, multiple injuries, and a harrowing allegation of rape against a female campaign worker.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the rights body cited media reports confirming one fatality in Munshiganj and another in Bagerhat due to post-election clashes. It also noted widespread attacks in numerous districts, including Sylhet, Cumilla, Narsingdi, Feni, Gazipur, Natore, Jhalakathi, Narail, Pabna, Bogura, Faridpur, Barguna, Jhenaidah, Chandpur, Patuakhali, Kishoreganj, and Dinajpur, where many have reportedly been injured.
HRFB highlighted a disturbing allegation where a woman claimed she was raped by supporters of a political rival for participating in election campaigning on behalf of another party. The forum warned that such incidents severely undermine the nation’s security fabric and the rule of law.
“Post-election retaliatory violence, politically motivated attacks, violence against women, and assaults on powerless or disadvantaged populations – including religious and ethnic minorities, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities – cannot be tolerated in a democratic society,” the organisation stated, emphasising that these acts weaken the very foundation of citizen security.
HRFB has issued an urgent call to all political parties, urging their central and grassroots leadership to send a strict and unequivocal message that all forms of violence and intimidation on minorities must cease immediately. It stressed that responsible leadership is critical to restoring a peaceful environment at the field level.
The forum also demanded that the Election Commission, law enforcement agencies, and the government conduct swift, impartial investigations into every incident. It called for those responsible to be identified and brought to justice, and for the safety and security of all victims to be ensured. Furthermore, HRFB urged authorities to hold accountable anyone found to be spreading misinformation related to the post-poll situation.
