DHAKA — At least 59 political activists from Bangladesh’s three major political camps were killed across the country between January 1 and June 15 this year, according to an analysis based on data compiled by the human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) and additional reporting by a prominent Bangla newspaper Samakal. The figures point to continuing political violence fueled not only by inter-party clashes but also by factional rivalries, local power struggles, business disputes, and personal conflicts.
The analysis found that 45 of those killed were members or supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), seven belonged to Jamaat-e-Islami, and seven were affiliated with the Awami League, whose political activities remain banned under current regulations.
Of the 59 deaths, 30 occurred during clashes involving political activists, while the remaining 29 were linked to a range of other disputes in which political figures became victims.
Among the 30 politically linked killings, 23 victims were associated with the BNP and its affiliated organizations, five with Jamaat, and two with the Awami League. Fourteen deaths resulted from internal conflicts within the BNP, while 11 occurred during clashes between BNP and Jamaat activists. Five fatalities stemmed from violent confrontations involving BNP and Awami League supporters.
The findings illustrate how political rivalry in Bangladesh increasingly overlaps with local disputes over influence, elections, business interests, land ownership, and organizational leadership.
According to ASK’s statistics, 347 political clashes between January and May left 55 political activists dead. After verifying incidents individually and including killings reported through mid-June, the total reached 59 deaths during the first five and a half months of the year.
ASK also documented 2,636 injuries in political confrontations during the first five months alone. The largest number of injuries—980—occurred in clashes between BNP and Jamaat activists, followed by 745 injuries resulting from internal BNP conflicts.
Election and factional violence
Election-related tensions accounted for seven of the politically motivated killings identified in the analysis.
One of the deadliest incidents occurred in Chuadanga’s Jibannagar upazila following disputes surrounding parliamentary election activities. Jamaat activists Hafizur Rahman and Mofizur Rahman later died after clashes between BNP and Jamaat supporters. Police said the violence followed an earlier assault linked to post-election tensions.
Officer-in-Charge Solaiman Sheikh of Jibannagar Police Station said the clash stemmed from retaliation after a BNP activist was allegedly assaulted following the parliamentary election. Three suspects, including the alleged victim of the earlier attack, were later arrested in connection with the case.
Election disputes also preceded the January killing of BNP activist Nazrul Islam in Mymensingh’s Dhobaura, where rival supporters allegedly attacked an election office before fatally stabbing him.
Internal competition within political parties proved equally deadly. Several killings were linked to struggles over local influence, control of public land, extortion networks, organizational leadership, and preparations for upcoming local government elections.
In Dhaka, former Ramna Thana Swechchhasebak Dal convener Billal Hossain was stabbed to death on June 8. Police later filed a case against 21 Jubo Dal activists.
Ramna Police Station Officer-in-Charge Muhammad Rahat Khan said investigators had arrested five suspects and that preliminary findings suggested the killing was linked to a dispute over control of sidewalk extortion.
In Mymensingh, BNP activist Rana Mia was killed on June 2 in what investigators described as a conflict over local dominance. Police arrested four suspects while investigating allegations that Jamaat activists were involved.
Regional concentration
Khulna Division recorded the highest number of killings arising directly from disputes among political activists, with 11 deaths. Rajshahi followed with eight. Dhaka Division reported five such killings, while Mymensingh recorded three. Chattogram, Sylhet, and Rangpur each reported one politically linked fatality.
Victims were killed using a variety of methods. Fourteen were attacked with sharp weapons, five were shot, and 11 died after severe beatings involving sticks, bricks, or physical assault.
Other motives beyond politics
Not every victim died because of ideological conflict.
The analysis found that 13 of the remaining 29 killings were linked to disputes over local influence, business competition, refusal to pay extortion, land ownership, family conflicts, financial disagreements surrounding religious gatherings, or local election rivalries. Investigators have yet to establish motives in the remaining 16 cases.
Among the notable incidents was the June 13 killing of Jubo Dal leader Maksudul Haque in Chattogram’s Raozan. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested one suspect and said investigators believe the murder was planned because the victim intended to contest a future Union Parishad chairman election.
Police also continue investigating several killings involving Awami League, Jamaat, and Shibir activists in which motives ranged from business disputes to personal conflicts.
Experts call for action
Dr. Touhidul Haque, an associate professor at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research at the University of Dhaka and a criminologist, said many violent incidents originate from internal struggles over power, money, influence, and organizational positions rather than ideological differences.
Speaking to Samakal, he said: “Political criminalization must be stopped. Otherwise, political crime cannot be prevented. If there is evidence, parties should take strict organizational action against accused activists. Where suspects have political identities, it often becomes difficult for police to act without government support.”
Police Headquarters also cautioned against assuming that every killing involving political activists is politically motivated.
A.H.M. Shahadat Hossain, Assistant Inspector General (Media) at Police Headquarters, told Samakal that investigations frequently reveal motives unrelated to politics.
“Investigations into murders of political activists show that such killings do not always occur for political reasons,” he said. “A large number arise from personal disputes, land conflicts, or other local issues, while only a relatively small portion are ultimately established as political clashes.”
Broader law-and-order concerns
The killings come amid broader concerns over public security in Bangladesh. Police data cited in recent reporting show hundreds of murder cases nationwide in recent months, while analysts have pointed to political rivalry, illegal firearms, organized criminal networks, and weak law enforcement capacity as factors contributing to continued violence.
Researchers note that political violence has long been a recurring feature of Bangladesh’s political landscape, often driven by competition for local influence and access to resources rather than ideological differences alone.
