Dhaka, Feb 10, 2026 — Political violence and attacks on journalists have increased sharply across Bangladesh as the country moves closer to the 13th National Parliamentary Election, according to a new report by human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK).
In a press release issued on Tuesday, ASK said at least 58 incidents of political violence occurred nationwide between February 1 and 10, resulting in two deaths and 489 injuries. The organisation noted that the intensity of violence has risen compared to previous weeks.
By comparison, ASK reported that during the last 10 days of January, 49 violent incidents were recorded, leaving four people dead and 414 injured. Earlier in January, between the 1st and 10th, eight incidents resulted in five deaths and 26 injuries, while 18 incidents between January 11 and 20 left two dead and 176 injured.
ASK also expressed serious concern over the growing number of attacks on journalists covering election-related events. According to its analysis, 11 journalists were attacked in December 2025, a number that rose to 16 in January 2026. Alarmingly, in just the first 10 days of February, at least 47 journalists were subjected to violence.
The organisation highlighted a particularly troubling incident on February 7, when 21 journalists from the online news outlet Bangladesh Times were taken from their workplace to a military camp and detained for nearly two hours. ASK described the incident as a clear obstacle to press freedom.
ASK warned that as the election date approaches, political competition is becoming increasingly confrontational. The rising trend of violence and intimidation of journalists, the organisation said, poses a serious threat to holding a free, fair, and credible election.
Calling on all stakeholders to uphold the rule of law, ASK urged authorities to ensure the protection of life, personal liberty, and press freedom in line with the constitution. The organisation also demanded a secure environment so that voters can exercise their franchise freely and safely in the upcoming election.
