Political Violence Death Toll Rises in Bangladesh in June: HRSS Report

Melbourne, July 3: Political violence in Bangladesh intensified in June, with both deaths and injuries increasing compared to the previous month, according to a new report released by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) on Thursday.

The report found that at least 58 incidents of political clashes occurred across the country in June, leaving nine people dead and 346 injured. In comparison, 64 incidents recorded in May resulted in five deaths and 289 injuries.

Among the June incidents, 21 clashes stemmed from infighting within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), resulting in three deaths and approximately 146 injuries.

The report also documented eight clashes between the BNP and Jamaat, which left two people dead and 36 injured, while 14 confrontations between the BNP and the Awami League resulted in two deaths and 115 injuries.

In addition, five clashes involving various political parties claimed the lives of two people and injured 22 others. HRSS said that most of the political violence was driven by struggles for dominance, political disputes, internal party rivalries, and extortion.

The report further stated that 12 attacks targeting leaders and activists of different political parties were carried out in June, leaving nine people dead and 22 injured. Among those killed were five BNP members and three Awami League members.

Beyond political violence, mob violence remained a serious concern. HRSS recorded 63 incidents of mob attacks over allegations including theft, robbery, snatching, personal disputes, and alleged religious insults. These incidents left 31 people dead and 69 injured.

The report also noted that 66 law enforcement personnel were injured in 29 incidents of mob violence while performing their duties.

Along the Bangladesh-India border, HRSS documented five incidents in June, in which two people were killed by gunfire from India’s Border Security Force (BSF). The organisation also reported that at least seven people were forcibly pushed into Bangladesh, while attempts were made to push back more than 400 others.

Meanwhile, three people were killed in separate landmine explosions along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, according to the report.

The HRSS report also highlighted ongoing violence against women and girls. During June, at least 352 women and girls were subjected to various forms of abuse. Among them, around 106 women, children, and adolescent girls were victims of rape, while 94 women and girls experienced sexual harassment.

In cases related to dowry violence, four women were killed, while two others died by suicide, the report said.