7 killed, 536 injured in political violence in August: HRSS

At least seven people were killed and 536 injured in 70 incidents of political violence across Bangladesh in August, according to the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS).

Most of the incidents were linked to intra-party conflicts, struggles for dominance, political disputes and extortion, the rights organisation said in its monthly report on the country’s human rights situation.

In a press release issued on Thursday, HRSS said the report was based on reports published in 16 national media outlets, as well as its own data collection and fact-finding.

Of the seven people killed in political violence, five were BNP activists, while one each belonged to the Awami League and Jamaat-e-Islami.

BNP-Jamaat clashes account for most casualties

The report said five people were killed and 152 injured in 20 incidents of internal BNP clashes.

Another person was killed and 233 injured in 18 clashes between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami supporters. Seven clashes between BNP and Awami League supporters left one person dead and 26 injured.

Meanwhile, 216 people were injured in 13 clashes between student organisations on different campuses. Of them, 181 were injured in clashes between Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir.

More than 62 cases were filed against leaders and activists of various political parties in August. The cases named 1,125 people as accused, while around 2,209 others were listed as unnamed accused.

A total of 12,823 people were arrested in 162 incidents related to political and other activities, according to the report.

28 killed in mob violence

At least 28 people were killed and 62 injured in 53 incidents of mob violence and mass beatings in August, HRSS said.

The organisation recorded 32 incidents of violence and harassment against journalists, affecting 45 people. Among them, 26 were injured, six were assaulted, seven received threats and five were detained.

In addition, 61 people were injured and eight detained in 13 incidents involving obstruction of meetings and rallies. Ten people were detained and eight cases filed in eight incidents involving interference with freedom of expression.

Six people died in different prisons across the country during the month.

The report also said 87 bodies were recovered in 82 incidents from rivers, canals, forests and abandoned places across Bangladesh.

Two people were killed and one injured in attacks by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along the border.

At least 63 workers were killed in workplace accidents in August. During the same period, 249 women and girls were subjected to violence, including 79 who were raped.

Another 282 children were subjected to abuse, 77 of whom died.

HRSS Executive Director Ijajul Islam said the country’s human rights situation became “alarming” in August due to political violence, mob violence, attacks and harassment of journalists, restrictions on freedom of expression, violence against women and children, border violence and workplace incidents.

He called on the government to take accountable and responsible measures to prevent any further deterioration of the human rights situation.