At least 160 people have been killed and 8,050 injured in incidents of political violence across Bangladesh since the interim government assumed office 13 months ago, according to a report by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS).
The human rights watchdog revealed the figures in its latest report, shared with the media through a press release today (14 September).
As per the HRSS report, despite the political transition following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 and assumption of power by Interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, the country has seen little improvement in political violence or the overall human rights situation.
On the contrary, the organisation observed a surge in political clashes, mob attacks, violence against women, assaults on journalists, and attacks on religious establishments during the past year.
Between September 2024 and September 2025, HRSS recorded 1,047 incidents of political violence. Internal conflicts within the BNP and its affiliated organisations were the deadliest, leaving 5,337 people injured and 88 dead.
Clashes between the BNP and the Awami League resulted in 1,141 injuries and 34 deaths, while internal feuds within the Awami League left 250 injured and 12 dead. Infighting within the NCP accounted for injuries to 62 people.
As per victims’ political affiliations, 104 from the BNP, 38 from the Awami League, three from Jamaat-e-Islami, one from the NCP, and 10 from the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) in the hill tracts. The political identities of four deceased individuals could not be confirmed.
HRSS identified the main causes of violence as struggles for dominance, political revenge, clashes around gatherings, disputes over committee formation, extortion, and property seizures.
The report also noted a rise in theft, snatching, robbery, drug-related crimes, and violence against women, fueling fear and uncertainty among the public.
Specific incidents include internal feuds between the Awami League and the banned Chhatra League, the Dhanmondi 32 clashes from 5-7 February, the NCPI’s “July March” in Gopalganj on 16 July, and August clashes between the Jatiya Party and the Gono Odhikar Parishad, all contributing to nationwide instability, it added.
The report points to an upward trend compared to previous years, with 82 people killed in 2021, 92 in 2022, and 96 in 2023, rising sharply to 160 in the past year alone.
Expressing deep concern over the deterioration of human rights, HRSS warned that unless the rule of law and accountability are strengthened in political culture, violence will continue to increase.
The organisation urged political parties, the government, and civil society to take measures to protect human rights.