The human rights situation in Bangladesh remained alarming throughout June, according to a monthly report released Monday by rights group Manabadhikar Sanskriti Foundation (MSF).
Led by prominent activist Advocate Sultana Kamal, the report highlighted continued incidents of extrajudicial killings, custodial deaths, political violence, restrictions on freedom of expression, and violence against women and children.
Key findings include:
- Extrajudicial killings and custodial deaths: One person was killed in a reported law enforcement shooting. Two custodial deaths, including that of a woman, were reported, with families alleging torture. Additionally, five prison custody deaths occurred, including one suicide and one allegedly from torture.
- Mob violence: There were 41 incidents of mob attacks, resulting in 10 deaths and 47 injuries. Victims were often accused of theft, robbery, rape, or political affiliations. MSF attributed the rise in mob violence partly to law enforcement inaction.
- Political violence: 45 incidents were documented, affecting 438 people, with 8 killed and 430 injured. Intra-party conflicts within the BNP and attacks targeting Awami League activists were major contributors.
- Violence against journalists: 32 journalists faced assault, harassment, or threats in 18 incidents while on duty in June, though this was lower than May’s 101 recorded cases.
- Religious minority attacks: Seven incidents were reported, including temple vandalism, idol desecration, looting, and the arrest of four Hindu community members over alleged derogatory comments about religion.
- Violence against women and children: 363 incidents were reported, including 63 rapes, 17 gang rapes, and 4 cases of rape-murder, with victims including children, adolescents, and individuals with disabilities.
- Border violence: Two Bangladeshi nationals were reportedly killed by India’s BSF, despite pledges to reduce border killings to zero. Landmine explosions near the Myanmar border injured four people in Naikhongchhari, Bandarban.
- Cyber Security Act misuse: Four cases were filed under the Cyber Security Act in June, leading to the arrest of seven individuals over social media posts deemed objectionable.
MSF called on authorities to ensure political freedom, peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and equal rights for all citizens, warning that the continued deterioration of rights poses serious threats to Bangladesh’s democratic and social stability.
