Mob Justice Kills 21 in January as Human Rights Situation Deteriorates in Bangladesh

Dhaka, Jan 31, 2026 — Bangladesh’s overall human rights situation sharply deteriorated in January, with deaths from mob justice doubling compared to the previous month and alarming increases in unidentified bodies, custodial deaths, and minority persecution, according to a report released by the Human Rights Culture Foundation (MSF).
The organization’s January human rights report, signed by MSF Executive Director Saidur Rahman and published on Saturday, recorded 21 deaths in 28 incidents of mob violence during the month. In December, 10 people were killed in 24 such incidents.
MSF described mob killing as a serious criminal offence and a form of extrajudicial execution, warning that its rise reflects public distrust in the justice system and deep institutional weaknesses.
Rise in Unidentified Bodies and Custodial Deaths
The report also noted a troubling increase in the recovery of unidentified bodies. A total of 57 unidentified corpses were found in January, up from 48 in December, heightening fears of enforced disappearances, violence, and extrajudicial killings.
Deaths in custody rose significantly, with 15 people dying in prison, compared to nine the previous month. Additionally, two people died while in the custody of law enforcement agencies. MSF said the increase clearly indicates that custodial torture remains a structural and unresolved problem.
Political and Electoral Violence
January was marked by a surge in political and electoral violence. According to the report, four people were killed in political clashes, up from one in December, while the number of injured also rose sharply.
MSF warned that the electoral process is increasingly turning into a deadly arena of violent confrontation, posing a serious threat to democratic stability.
Surge in Attacks on Religious Minorities
The situation of religious minorities also worsened significantly. MSF documented 15 incidents of minority persecution in January, compared to four in December. These included attacks on homes, arson, vandalism of religious idols, and communal violence.
The organization said the resurgence of such incidents highlights the weakness of state protection mechanisms and the failure to ensure minority safety.
Concerns Over Legal Process and Policing
MSF expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of mass and politically motivated cases following the fall of the government. In January, the number of named accused in cases rose from 30 to 120, while unnamed accused increased from 110 to 320.
The rights group said such practices raise serious questions about transparency, due process, and fairness, suggesting a pattern of political vendetta and indiscriminate criminalization.
Executive Director’s Statement
MSF Executive Director Saidur Rahman said law enforcement agencies appeared more focused on expanding case lists against leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations, whose activities are currently banned, rather than ensuring public safety.
He also warned that no meaningful efforts were being made to prevent mob violence, adding that some quarters within the government were instead attempting to justify such acts — a development he described as deeply alarming.
MSF concluded that nearly all major human rights indicators showed negative trends in January, underscoring the continued impact of political instability and a culture of impunity in the country.
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