Dhaka, July 16 (V7N) — A total of 56 people were killed in political conflicts and election-related violence across Bangladesh during the first six months of 2026, while 404 women and children were victims of rape during the same period, according to a report by the human rights organisation Human Rights Support Society (HRSS).
The organisation also reported that 383 journalists faced harassment, attacks, and intimidation in the first half of the year. HRSS released the findings in a statement sent to the media on Wednesday, July 15.
According to the report, 830 incidents of political violence took place between January and June, leaving at least 56 people dead and more than 5,246 leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens injured.
Among those killed, 37 were affiliated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), six with Jamaat-e-Islami, three with the Awami League, and eight with other political groups.
The report said 673 out of 830 incidents (81%) were linked to internal conflicts within the BNP and clashes between the BNP and other political parties. It added that 31 people were killed and 2,092 injured in 273 incidents of BNP internal disputes.
HRSS said at least 144 cases were filed against leaders and activists of the Awami League, BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and others under various laws, including anti-terrorism provisions. A total of 3,268 named individuals and 24,518 unidentified people were accused in these cases.
During the period, at least 3,067 political activists were arrested, including 2,415 Awami League leaders and activists, according to the report.
Journalists Face Increasing Attacks
The HRSS report said 383 journalists were subjected to attacks and harassment in 200 incidents during the six-month period.
Of them, 234 journalists were injured, 60 were assaulted, and 49 received threats. In addition, 15 separate cases were filed against 33 journalists under the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025.
Rise in Mob Violence
Expressing concern over increasing mob violence and public lynching, HRSS said 133 people were killed and 256 injured in 261 incidents across the country during the first half of 2026.
The incidents were linked to allegations including theft, robbery, snatching, disputes, dominance-related conflicts, and religious offences.
The report noted that during the same period in 2025, 67 people were killed and 119 injured in 141 mob violence incidents.
Attacks on Minorities
HRSS reported 50 attacks on minority communities, leaving 56 people injured.
The incidents included attacks and vandalism targeting 19 temples, 15 idols, and 43 residential houses.
Border Violence and Push-ins
Regarding border incidents, HRSS said nine people were killed and 35 injured in 32 attacks along the Bangladesh-India border allegedly involving India’s Border Security Force (BSF).
Among the injured, 14 people sustained bullet wounds, while 38 people were detained from different border areas. The report also claimed that at least 173 people were pushed into Bangladesh through border areas.
Deaths in Custody
The report said 11 people died in alleged extrajudicial killings, including deaths in custody, during interrogation, shootings, and reported gunfights.
During the same period, at least 58 inmates died in prison custody, including 26 convicted prisoners and 32 detainees awaiting trial. Among them, 15 were reportedly leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations.
HRSS also mentioned an alleged abduction case in Mongla, Bagerhat, on April 10, where a young man named Miraj Sheikh (32) was reportedly taken away by two individuals claiming to be Coast Guard members.
Labour and Violence Against Women and Children
The report said 74 workers were killed and 1,003 injured in 331 incidents of labour-related violence during the first six months of the year.
It added that 216 workers died at workplaces due to unsafe working conditions, lack of protective equipment, and workplace accidents.
HRSS recorded 1,621 cases of violence against women and girls during the period.
Among them, 404 were rape victims, including 238 children and adolescents under the age of 18.
The report said 88 women and girls were victims of gang rape, while 17 were killed after rape. It also recorded 476 cases of sexual harassment, including 173 involving children.
Child Abuse
According to HRSS, 1,077 children faced various forms of abuse in the first six months of 2026, with 305 children losing their lives.
HRSS said the findings highlight serious concerns over human rights, law and order, and the protection of vulnerable groups across Bangladesh.
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