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A total of 2,957 people were killed in so-called “crossfire” incidents or alleged gunfights involving law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh between 2004 and September 2026, according to Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), a human rights organisation.
Police operations accounted for the highest number of deaths, with 1,371 people killed, representing nearly 46% of the total. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) ranked second, with 1,200 deaths recorded during the period.
ASK confirmed the figures in statistics released on Tuesday.
According to the organisation’s data, another 69 people were killed in alleged gunfights during joint operations by police and RAB. Combined, police, RAB and their joint operations accounted for 2,640 deaths.
These incidents have long raised concerns over human rights and alleged extrajudicial killings. Accounts provided by law enforcement agencies and the circumstances surrounding the deaths have frequently been disputed. ASK’s figures document reported deaths but do not independently establish the circumstances or responsibility in each case.
According to ASK’s annual report-based data, no deaths in alleged crossfire incidents involving police or RAB have been recorded since 2024. However, the organisation’s figures indicate that such deaths involving other law enforcement agencies have continued.
One person was killed in an operation by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in 2024. Another death was recorded in an alleged gunfight involving the Coast Guard in 2025, while one person was killed during an operation by the Department of Narcotics Control up to September 2026.
The figures show that although no such deaths involving police or RAB have been documented since 2024, fatalities involving other agencies have not entirely ceased.
Overall, ASK recorded 2,957 deaths in alleged crossfire incidents involving police, RAB, joint operations and other law enforcement agencies over the 22-year period.
The figures highlight the importance of transparent investigations, accountability and the proper enforcement of the law in cases involving deaths during law enforcement operations.
RAB is now known as the Special Response Battalion (SRB).
