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DHAKA: At least 73 people were killed and 6,473 political activists and members of the public were injured in political violence across Bangladesh during the first nine months of the year, from January to September, according to a report by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS).
During the same period, 187 people were killed and 401 injured in 398 incidents of mob violence, including lynchings, over allegations of theft, robbery, snatching, rape and other offences. The report showed that deaths from mob violence were around 2.5 times higher than those from political clashes.
The human rights organisation disclosed the findings in a press release on Monday. The report was compiled using news published in 16 national dailies and information collected by the organisation.
According to the report, 931 of the 1,013 incidents of political violence involved internal conflicts within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) or clashes between the BNP and other political parties.
Of these, 342 incidents of internal BNP clashes left 40 people dead and 2,632 injured. Meanwhile, 321 clashes between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami resulted in 11 deaths and 2,190 injuries. Another 93 clashes between the BNP and Awami League left nine people dead and 545 injured.
Arrests and cases against political activists
The report said more than 270 cases were filed against political activists from various parties during the period. A total of 5,809 people were named in the cases, while 32,433 others were listed as unidentified accused.
Additionally, more than 63,000 people were arrested during regular drives targeting alleged criminal activities, sabotage, and individuals wanted under arrest warrants, as well as operations to maintain law and order.
Journalists harassed, meetings obstructed
A total of 518 journalists faced attacks, harassment or other forms of abuse in 288 incidents over the nine months. Twenty journalists were detained in connection with these incidents.
The report also documented restrictions on freedom of assembly and expression. In 58 incidents involving obstruction of meetings and rallies, 439 people were injured and 46 detained.
Deaths in custody
During the period, 95 accused persons died in prison, including 40 convicted prisoners and 55 detainees awaiting trial. At least 17 people also died in incidents involving law enforcement custody, alleged torture, shootings and reported gunfights.
Attacks on minorities
The report recorded 56 attacks on members of minority communities, leaving 62 people injured. The incidents also involved attacks and vandalism targeting 21 temples, 20 idols and 47 residential houses.
