DHAKA: During the approximately nine-month tenure of the BNP-led government, various questions and concerns have emerged in the public sphere regarding law and order, political violence, commodity prices, fuel supply, and citizen safety. In particular, internal feuds within political parties, bids to establish supremacy, allegations of extortion, mass beatings, and incidents of violence against women and children are complicating the situation further.
A September 2026 monitoring report by the human rights organization Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has highlighted multiple alarming aspects of the country's human rights and public safety situation. The report was prepared based on news published in 16 national newspapers of Bangladesh and the organization's own information collection.
According to the report, at least four people were killed and 527 others were injured in 68 political violence incidents across the country in September. During the same period, 236 women and children fell victim to abuse, according to media reports citing HRSS data. Among them, 79 were victims of rape. Additionally, the report noted that 35 journalists were victims of attacks and harassment, and the deaths of 21 prisoners in custody were recorded.
According to the HRSS report, 35 out of the 68 political violence incidents in September stemmed from internal conflicts within the BNP. At least 340 people were injured and one person was killed in these incidents.
Sixteen people were injured in three clashes between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, and 42 people were injured in six clashes between the BNP and the Awami League. Sixteen people were injured in three clashes between the BNP and the National Citizen Party (NCP). Clashes and casualties also occurred among other political factions.
In August, seven people were killed and 536 were injured in 70 incidents of political violence. Accordingly, the number of incidents, deaths, and injuries decreased slightly in September. However, even though the total number of clashes decreased, it is particularly notable that violence continued, driven by the ruling party's internal feuds and local-level attempts to establish supremacy.
The report further stated that seven people were killed in at least 12 separate attacks targeting individuals with political identities. Incidents of attacks, vandalism, looting, and arson targeting homes, businesses, and party offices in various areas were also documented.
It is crucial to determine through impartial investigations how local-level political influence, disputes over committees and leadership, land-grabbing, and allegations of extortion are turning into clashes. Regardless of the political identities of those involved, ensuring that investigations and trials for criminal allegations are equally effective is vital for the rule of law.
Alongside political clashes, mass beatings and mob violence have emerged as a major challenge to public safety. In September, at least nine people were killed and 32 were injured in 35 incidents of mob violence centered around theft, robbery, snatching, disputes, supremacy battles, and other allegations.
In August, 28 people were killed and 62 were injured in 53 such incidents. By comparison, while the number of such incidents and casualties decreased in September, occurrences involving detaining and beating or killing suspected individuals continue to raise questions about the effectiveness of the judicial system and law enforcement.
The security situation for women and children has also become a matter of concern. A report published citing HRSS data stated that 236 women and children were subjected to abuse in September. Among them, 79 were victims of rape, including 47 children and adolescents.
During the same period, 13 women and adolescent girls were victims of gang rape. Forty-nine women and children were subjected to sexual abuse. The report also includes information on five women and children who were killed after being raped, alongside the suicide of one woman following an incident of rape. Information was also found regarding the deaths of six women and adolescent girls due to dowry-related violence, with four others injured.
However, data for various sub-categories of violence against women and children may partially overlap. Therefore, it is not prudent to sum up all data to determine the total number of victims.
Freedom of the press and the safety of journalists are essential conditions for ensuring accountability in a democratic system. Yet, multiple incidents of attacks, threats, and harassment against journalists were recorded in September.
The HRSS report stated that 35 journalists fell victim to attacks and harassment across at least 20 incidents throughout the month. Among them, 16 were injured, 12 were assaulted, and 3 faced threats. There is also information regarding the detention of one journalist. The organization stated that three journalists were accused in lawsuits filed over news publication.
The report also noted an attack on the Keshabpur Press Club in Jashore and an assault on a journalist while collecting information on road construction irregularities in Kumarkhali, Kushtia. Attacks on journalists are not merely matters of personal security; they also create the apprehension of obstructing the publication of information related to irregularities, corruption, and public interest. Conducting impartial investigations into the allegations, ensuring the safety of journalists, and addressing grievances regarding harassment due to news publication are part of the government's responsibilities.
According to HRSS data, allegations of direct or indirect obstruction by law enforcement agencies or ruling party activists in holding at least six meetings and rallies were received in September. At least 47 people were injured in these incidents.
Additionally, the report includes information on 14 people detained and 12 lawsuits filed across 12 incidents for alleged interference with freedom of expression. At least 26 people have been accused in these cases.
HRSS reported the deaths of 21 inmates in various prisons across the country in September. Among them, 11 were convicted prisoners and 10 were undertrial detainees. The organization's report further stated that at least three deaths occurred in incidents related to law enforcement custody or allegations of torture. The report noted that one person died after being subjected to torture and two died while in custody.
