The number of mob killings in Bangladesh is alarmingly on the rise. In August alone, at least 38 incidents of mob beating occurred. In July, the number was 51. In August, 23 people were killed and 43 were seriously injured in such attacks. In July, 16 people were killed in mob violence.
This picture emerged in the August human rights report of the human rights organization Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF). On Sunday, MSF released the report to the media. The organization publishes a monthly overview of the country’s human rights situation.
The report is prepared based on information published in various newspapers and through MSF’s own fact-finding.
Among those killed in mob violence, 10 were accused of theft, 4 of suspected theft, 3 of robbery, 2 (including 1 woman) due to previous enmity, 1 accused in a drug case, 2 on charges of mugging, and 1 on allegations of extortion.
MSF’s Executive Director Saidur Rahman told Prothom Alo, “The number of mob beating incidents we have reported for August is actually much less than what occurred in reality. People are now too afraid to even speak out. The law-and-order situation has deteriorated severely. The rise in mob violence is proof of that.”
Journalist Persecution
In August, during the course of their professional duties, 96 journalists across various districts of the country faced attacks, legal harassment, threats, murder, and torture in 33 incidents. The number of affected journalists in August was almost three times higher than in July. The number of incidents of repression nearly doubled compared to July.
According to the MSF report, among the affected journalists in August, 1 was murdered and 36 faced legal harassment, including 1 arrest. A total of 23 journalists were assaulted and injured while on duty. Sixteen were humiliated or threatened, and 20 journalists were dismissed from their jobs. The lawsuits against journalists included charges of murder, extortion, and defamation.
In July, there were 19 incidents of journalist repression, affecting 30 journalists.
Of the 33 journalist persecution-related incidents in August:
BNP was involved in 7 cases, Police in 6,Teachers in 3, Armed gangs in, Smugglers in 2, 1 was linked to the anti-discrimination student movement, 1 to an NGO,1 to a court clerk, 4 to miscreants, 1 to a newspaper office, 2 were connected to the temporarily banned organization Awami League.
On August 7, around 8:30 p.m., in Gazipur City’s Chandna Chowrasta area, a group of five to six assailants hacked journalist Md. Asaduzzaman Tuhin (38), a staff reporter of Dainik Protidiner Kagoj in Gazipur, to death in a premeditated attack. Once they confirmed his death, the attackers fled.
Saidur Rahman of MSF said, “There is never any justice for incidents of journalist persecution. No one is there to ensure justice. Journalists cannot turn to the police, nor is there any local authority to whom they can go for remedy.”
Political Violence
In August, 49 incidents of political violence injured 549 people. Among them, 2 were killed and 547 injured. Four people sustained gunshot injuries, and the deceased were BNP workers-supporters.
Out of the 49 violent incidents, 11 included attacks, arson, and crude bomb explosions at party offices, homes, and businesses due to political disputes and clashes. However, no casualties were reported in these 11 incidents.
Among the 38 other incidents of violence: 23 involved BNP internal feuds, 5 involved BNP–Awami League clashes, 2 involved NCP–Awami League clashes, 1 involved BNP–NCP conflict, 2 involved BNP–Jamaat clashes, 1 involved Awami League–Jamaat clash, 1 involved Awami League–Gonoporishod, 2 involved clashes between Jatiya Party and Gonodhikar Parishad, 1 involved Gonodhikar Parishad–police.
Deaths in Custody
Deaths in custody did not decline in August. According to MSF data, a total of 10 people died in custody that month, the same as July. Of them, 3 were convicts and 7 were under-trial detainees.
In Dhaka Central Jail (Keraniganj), 3 detainees died, In Mymensingh Central Jail, 1 detainee died, In Brahmanbaria District Jail, 1 detainee died, In Kushtia District Jail, 1 detainee died, In Narail Jail, 1 detainee died, In Rajshahi Central Jail, Rangamati District Jail, and Shariatpur District Jail, 1 convict each died.
Persecution of Minorities
The MSF report stated that due to the lack of prompt and impartial action by the government and administration, violence against minorities continues to recur, undermining the constitutional guarantee of fundamental rights and the basic principles of the state.
According to MSF, there were 10 incidents of violence against religious and ethnic minorities in August. These included:
2 attacks, vandalism, and looting of houses belonging to religious minorities, 1 incident of rape, 1 land grabbing case, 1 incident involving rumors,3 arrests of young men accused of making offensive remarks.
Additionally, unplanned wall construction posed risks of destroying homes of ethnic minority communities, and incidents of land grabbing were also reported.
Violence Against Women and Children
According to MSF, 349 incidents of violence against women and children occurred in August—3 fewer than in July. These included 47 cases of rape, 19 cases of gang rape, and 4 incidents of rape and murder. Among the victims were 9 disabled girls and women.
Of the 47 rape victims, 11 were children and 17 were adolescents. Among gang rape victims, 6 were adolescents and 9 were women. Among rape and murder victims, 2 were children and 1 was an adolescent.
There were also 24 attempted rapes, 21 incidents of sexual harassment, and 94 incidents of physical assault.
