Deepanwita Martin
Since July 16, 2024, Bangladesh has been engulfed in a harrowing wave of human rights violations, marked by mass killings and escalating violence that have drawn the attention and concern of the global community. The alarming situation has deteriorated sharply following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as reports reveal a staggering rise in the death toll, leaving countless families in anguish and fear.
Alarming Death Toll
The UN Human Rights Commission has reported, 615 deaths between July 16 and August 11, 2024. However, from August 5 to August 30, following Hasina’s removal, the death toll soared to a shocking 8,958. This dramatic increase paints a grim picture of chaos, as security forces, often backed by private militias, have resorted to illegal weaponry to suppress dissent and maintain a grip on power.
The violence has not only claimed lives but has also resulted in the widespread destruction of homes and communities, with over 1,000 residences vandalized, looted, or burned. Among the devastated structures were high-profile targets, including the Prime Minister’s office, illustrating the pervasive atmosphere of instability and unrest that has gripped the nation.
- Mass Killings of Police by Militants and Terrorists
The ongoing turmoil has led to the deaths of more than 3,200 police officers at the hands of militant groups and terrorists. Disturbingly, many of these officers were found hung from bridges, a chilling testament to the brutality they faced. Between August 4 and August 6, almost every police station in Bangladesh was attacked.
On the night of August 4, 13 policemen were killed in a horrific manner at the Sirajganj Enayatpur police station, with one officer’s body tied around the neck of another and hung from a tree. Such atrocities highlight the perilous environment in which law enforcement operates as they strive to maintain order amid escalating chaos. The violence against police officers reflects a broader trend of hostility toward authority figures during this tumultuous period.
In the midst of continued police killings by militants, even a pregnant policewoman fell victim to brutal violence. Despite her desperate plea, “I am pregnant; for the sake of my unborn child, please don’t kill me,” she was shown no mercy. Her tragic death seems to reflect a series of calculated, vengeful attacks targeting law enforcement officers.
- Alarming Violence Against Hindu Minorities
In the midst of this turmoil, Hindu minorities in Bangladesh have faced unimaginable horrors, including rape, assault, and the destruction of places of worship. Reports indicate that numerous temples have been burned down, illustrating a targeted effort to intimidate and displace these communities. Activists estimate that over 300 incidents of violence against Hindus have occurred since the onset of the political crisis, leading to profound trauma and loss.
Sexual Abuse and Assault in Pirojpur
On August 4, a coordinated attack by 50 dacoits in Pirojpur resulted in the sexual abuse of a young girl named Apurba Nath. The assailants invaded homes, looted properties, and inflicted severe trauma on the victims, leaving families shattered and fearful for their safety.
Mass Violence in Noakhali
The situation worsened in Noakhali, where reports detail mass murders and gang rapes targeting Hindu women on the same day. The brutality of these attacks has left communities devastated, forcing many families to flee their homes in search of safety.
Brutal Assault on Utsab Mandal
In another horrifying incident, Utsab Mandal, a Hindu youth, was brutally beaten by Islamists linked to a local madrasa at the Sonadanga Police Station in Khulna after facing baseless allegations of blasphemy. This attack, which occurred on September 4, has ignited significant concern over the treatment of religious minorities and the rising tide of intolerance in the country.
Vandalism and Looting of Minority Properties
In Dinajpur, reports reveal that at least 40 shops owned by minorities in the Chowrangi Bazar area of Bochaganj upazila were vandalized and looted, reflecting a larger pattern of violence intended to instill fear within minority communities.
Disturbing Incident in Satkhira
A particularly harrowing incident occurred in Satkhira, where a group of 5-6 madrasa students, wearing traditional attire, invaded a Hindu family’s home under the cover of night. While the family slept, they brutally raped a young girl. This attack, taking place on August 6, highlights the increasing vulnerability of women in minority communities, leaving families shattered and communities torn apart.
Hindu Villagers Allegedly Forced to Join Jamaat-e-Islami in Lalmonirhat
On Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 4 p.m., 27 Hindu residents from Kalmati Ward No. 2 in Khuniagach Union, Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila, were reportedly forced to attend a gathering. The event allegedly served as a means to coerce them into joining Jamaat-e-Islami through religious misrepresentation, threats of exile, and threats to their lives. Conversion-related books were distributed, and signatures were collected on various forms. Hafez Md. Shah Alam, Assistant Secretary of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Lalmonirhat District Branch, attended as the chief guest. Article 12 of Jamaat’s constitution was read to the attendees, followed by an oath-taking based on the non-Muslim oath in Appendix 11 of the Constitution. Attendees were reportedly pressured and lured unjustly into joining Jamaat-e-Islami.
Community Response and Ongoing Fear
The rising tide of violence has instilled fear in many communities, prompting families to abandon their homes. The alarming frequency of these attacks has led to urgent calls for government action to ensure the safety and protection of religious minorities in Bangladesh. The plight of Hindus and other minority communities remains a pressing issue, demanding immediate attention and intervention from authorities and human rights organizations.
- Uncountable Arrests Over False Accusations
In this climate of fear, a wave of *unlawful arrests* has swept the nation, targeting opposition leaders, ordinary citizens, and even cricket players based on *false accusations*. A prominent cricket player has been accused of murder, though he has not yet been arrested. Meanwhile, numerous actors and actresses have faced legal action under false pretenses, leading to a chilling effect on freedom of expression within the entertainment industry. Reports indicate that at least *50 artists* and sports figures have faced arbitrary detention since August 5, highlighting a broader pattern of targeting those who dare to voice dissent.
4. Killing of Journalists and Arrests
The political turmoil has also led to a disturbing rise in violence against journalists, with at least 20 reported killed since the crisis began. These attacks aim to suppress independent reporting and silence dissenting voices.
On August 4, 2024, four journalists were shot dead, according to the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS). The victims included Hasan Mahadi of Dhaka Times, shot in Jatrabari, Tahir Zaman Prio on Central Road, ATM Turab in Sylhet District, and Prodip Kumar Vhoumik in Raiganj Sub-District.
Additionally, journalist couple Shakil Ahmed, former head of news at Ekattor Television, and Farzana, its former principal correspondent, have been arrested on false murder charges and remain imprisoned. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has expressed grave concern over their arrests, underscoring the urgent need for the protection of press freedom and the rights of media professionals in Bangladesh.
Two prominent journalists of Bangladesh, known for their work in both print and tv, were arrested by the police on Monday (September 16,2024) morning in Mymensingh. Editor of Bhorer Kagoj Shyamal Datta, and Muzammil Babu, managing director and chief editor of Ekattor TV, one of the biggest Tv channel in Dhaka.
Both are known to have extensive contacts regarding Bangladesh’s political scenario.
Ministry of Information Cancels Press Accreditation of 20 Journalists
In a further blow to press freedom, the Ministry of Information has canceled the press accreditation cards of 20 journalists and officials known as supporters of the Awami League. This order, issued on October 28, affects prominent figures such as Zafar Wazed, former Director General of the Press Institute of Bangladesh; Shaban Mahmud, former Press Minister of New Delhi; Mozammel Haque, Editor-in-Chief of Ekattor TV; and Farzana Rupa, Special Correspondent at the same network.
Other notable journalists affected include Farida Yasmin, Editor and Publisher of WomenNews24.com; Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Editor of The Daily Observer; and Naeem Nizam, Editor of Bangladesh Pratidin. The ongoing violence against journalists has created a climate of fear, stifling press freedom and undermining democratic principles. Human rights organizations are urgently calling for action to protect journalists and uphold the integrity of the media in Bangladesh.
5. Lawyers Arrested Under Alleged False Cases
Several lawyers have reportedly been arrested following the filing of what are described as false cases against them. Sources indicate that these cases may have been fabricated, sparking concerns about potential misuse of legal processes.
Eminent lawyer ZI Khan Panna, who previously supported student protesters during a mass uprising, has been accused in a case concerning the attempted murder of a demonstrator in the capital. Panna was among the Supreme Court lawyers who represented a writ petitioner in the High Court on July 29, advocating for orders to prevent the use of bullets against protesters.
Now, Panna finds himself among 180 accused individuals in a case registered at Khilgaon police station regarding the shooting of a protester. The plaintiff, 52-year-old Mohammad Baker, claims he does not know Panna and is uncertain how his name appeared on the list of accused. Baker stated, “A lawyer named Jashim and some other people made the list, and I just signed the FIR.”
49 Accused in Shocking Murder Case of University Applicant Touhidul Haque Amid Anti-Discrimination Protests
In a controversial turn of events, 49 people have been accused in the murder case of Touhidul Haque, a university applicant killed during recent anti-discrimination protests. The list of accused includes Supreme Court lawyer Nijhoom Majumder, who has reportedly been residing abroad for several years, raising significant questions over his alleged involvement.
The inclusion of Majumder has sparked criticism from observers and legal experts, with some labeling it a mockery of the justice system, given his longstanding absence from the country. The case has added fuel to ongoing debates surrounding legal actions taken against individuals associated with the protest movement.
As tensions rise, calls are growing for a thorough review of the accusations to ensure justice and transparency in handling cases related to the protests.
6. Mob justice
On September 18, 2024, two tragic incidents of vigilante justice shocked Bangladesh, resulting in the deaths of two individuals at the University of Dhaka and Jahangirnagar University. These brutal killings, carried out in the name of “mob justice,” have sent shockwaves across the nation, highlighting a disturbing culture of impunity and lawlessness that has allowed such violent acts to proliferate. Since the fall of the authoritarian Sheikh Hasina regime through the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, the absence of law and order and the rapid rise in mob lynchings have become a common occurrence in Bangladesh. Such incidents are not only criminal acts but also severe human rights violations, revealing the dangers of unchecked mob behavior in a society where the rule of law is expected to prevail.
The first incident took place at Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall, University of Dhaka, where a mentally unstable man named Tofazzal Hossain was brutally beaten to death by a group of students who suspected him of stealing mobile devices. Tofazzal endured horrific suffering as students relentlessly beat him, forced him to walk between buildings, and gave him food only to continue the torment. Tragically, this abuse continued until he lost his life.
The second tragedy occurred at jahangirnagar university, where another individual faced a similar fate. Shamim Ahmed, a former leader of Jahangirnagar university Chhatra league, died from injuries
Sustained during a mob lynching
The growing trend of mob justice highlights deeper issues within the country’s justice system. A widespread lack of trust in law enforcement agencies and the judicial process has led many to take the law into their own hands. However, the solution lies not in vigilante action but in strengthening the rule of law. When justice is controlled by mobs, there is no lawful accountability through evidence or trial, meaning there is no assurance that the punishment fits the crime—or that a crime was even committed.
Moreover, these actions clearly violate international human rights laws. Bangladesh, as a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), is obligated to protect the rights to life, liberty, and security for all individuals. Article 3 of the UDHR explicitly states that no one should be arbitrarily deprived of these rights. By allowing mob justice to persist, Bangladesh is failing in its duty to safeguard its citizens and uphold the principles of international human rights treaties.
7. Mass Killing of Awami League Leaders and Activists and families
In a surge of political violence across Bangladesh, reports indicate that hundreds of Awami League leaders and activists have been killed in the past month. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), as of August 5, an estimated additional 250 people lost their lives, with many of these deaths attributed to violent reprisals against supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Another rights group reported that at least 537 people were killed across Bangladesh in August alone.
Local news outlets have documented the bloodshed. The Daily Star reported on August 7 that 541 people were killed in violent incidents nationwide. Meanwhile, New Age cited HRW’s call for the United Nations Human Rights Council to investigate alleged rights abuses. Other sources, including Dhaka Tribune and bdnews24.com, reported on the discovery of the bodies of 29 Awami League members and attacks on Awami League offices.
Violence Targets Families of Awami League-Affiliated Citizens
Across Bangladesh, families of Awami League leaders and activists are facing targeted violence, with homes and businesses reportedly being looted, vandalized, and burned. From divisional centers to zila and upazila levels, incidents have surged, targeting the family members of prominent Awami League figures. Activists claim this persecution has been ongoing since the beginning of the current political regime, with perpetrators allegedly acting with complete impunity.
The United News of Bangladesh (UNB) reported that Awami League leaders have voiced support for their workers affected by recent political upheaval. Despite this, incidents of violence continue, with homes destroyed and family members threatened, as documented in images and videos circulating online. Observers note a lack of response from international bodies, even as the violence escalates, leaving affected families without recourse for justice.
Conclusion
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, are calling for immediate action from both the Bangladeshi government and the international community to address these violations. The shocking statistics and personal accounts of violence since August 5 demand a comprehensive response to restore the rule of law and ensure the protection of human rights for all citizens.
As Bangladesh grapples with this crisis, the need for accountability and justice has never been more urgent. The world watches closely, urging a return to peace and the safeguarding of fundamental rights for every individual.
Deepanwita Martin, Sub Editor The Voice