Mob Lynchings Rise Sharply in Bangladesh in 2025

Dhaka, Dec 31 — Incidents of mob violence in Bangladesh increased sharply in 2025, with at least 197 people killed in mob lynchings, according to the annual human rights report released by the Law and Arbitration Center (ASK).
The figure represents a significant rise from 128 deaths in 2024, indicating a worsening law-and-order situation amid ongoing political transition. ASK said many victims were attacked and killed based on suspicion and rumors, without any form of legal process, investigation, or evidence.
One such incident occurred in Taraganj, Rangpur, where two men were beaten to death in August after being falsely suspected of stealing a van. ASK alleged that police were present at the scene but failed to take effective action to prevent the killings.
Widespread Human Rights Violations
The report documents a broad spectrum of human rights abuses in 2025, including extrajudicial killings, custodial deaths, political violence, suppression of press freedom, and persecution of religious minorities. ASK noted that although public expectations were high following political changes, tangible improvements in human rights protections remain limited.
According to the report, 38 people were killed in extrajudicial actions this year, up from 21 in 2024. Many of these deaths occurred in law enforcement custody or during alleged “crossfire” incidents. Additionally, 107 people died in prison custody, including 69 undertrial detainees, raising serious concerns about medical neglect and institutional accountability.
Political Violence Intensifies
ASK recorded 401 incidents of political violence between January and December 2025, resulting in 102 deaths and nearly 4,744 injuries. A notable number of these incidents stemmed from internal conflicts within political parties, reflecting a deeper crisis in political governance and internal democracy.
Journalists Face Growing Threats
The report highlights a deteriorating environment for journalists, with 381 media workers facing harassment, threats, physical attacks, or legal action during the year. At least three journalists were killed, while four others were found dead under suspicious circumstances, intensifying concerns over press freedom and safety.
ASK also noted a major coordinated attack on leading national media institutions in December, describing it as one of the gravest assaults on the press in the country’s history. The incident forced temporary suspension of newspaper operations and left journalists fearing for their safety.
Religious Minorities Targeted
Religious minority communities continued to face violence and intimidation. ASK recorded 42 attacks on the Hindu community in 2025, including arson, vandalism of temples and idols, land grabbing, and mob assaults. The organization warned that rising religious intolerance and political impunity are undermining constitutionally guaranteed rights.
‘A Crisis of Accountability’
Senior Supreme Court lawyer and human rights activist Shahdeen Malik said the government’s inability to curb mob violence and protect fundamental rights must be viewed as a serious governance failure.
ASK concluded that unchecked mob justice, excessive use of force by law enforcement, and shrinking civic space reflect a growing crisis of accountability and tolerance, posing a significant threat to democracy and the rule of law in Bangladesh.