Human Rights Record ‘Alarming’ Over 17 Months, Says HRSS

At least 313 people killed in 413 incidents of mob violence since 5 August 2024 | Representative Image: Collected

The country’s human rights situation over the past 17 months under the interim government has been “deeply alarming”, according to a report released by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS).

The findings were unveiled on Wednesday at a programme in the capital, where HRSS presented its assessment of human rights conditions and pre-election violence during the period.

According to the report, at least 1,411 incidents of political violence have occurred since 5 August 2024, resulting in a minimum of 195 deaths. It also documented 413 incidents of mob violence, in which at least 313 people were killed.

The report highlighted growing threats to press freedom, noting 427 attacks on journalists and media outlets, with at least 834 media workers reportedly affected.

Violence against women and children was described as particularly alarming. More than 2,500 women and children faced various forms of abuse during the period, the report said. Of them, 1,016 women were victims of rape, including 230 cases of gang rape.

HRSS attributed the worsening human rights situation to what it described as the inactivity of law enforcement agencies, the absence of effective government action, and the irresponsibility and indifference of major political parties. It pointed to a rise in rape and violence against women, border killings, attacks and vandalism at shrines, and assaults on journalists and media institutions.

The report also noted an increase in extortion, theft, snatching, robbery and murder, contributing to widespread fear and insecurity among the public.

At a separate event, another research organisation released a study on public opinion ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. The study found that voters are prioritising issues such as corruption and rising commodity prices over religious considerations.

It also identified voter security as the most critical concern, with many expressing doubts about whether the election would be conducted fairly and in a safe environment. The research further indicated shifting voter preferences, suggesting that nearly half of Awami League supporters are now leaning towards BNP, while more than one-third of new voters favour Jamaat.