TDS Desk:

At least 94 people have been killed and 4,785 injured in 588 incidents of political violence across Bangladesh in the first seven months of 2025, according to a study by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS).

Experts warn the situation could worsen ahead of the upcoming national general election unless urgent steps are taken.

The HRSS report found that most casualties stemmed from clashes involving members of major political parties, including the BNP, the Awami League – whose activities are banned until the conclusion of the July massacre trial, Jatiya Party, Jamaat-e-Islami, Gono Odhikar Parishad, National Citizen Party, Islami Andolan Bangladesh and several smaller groups. Most of the deceased and injured were party activists.

Of the political incidents, 336 were BNP internal conflicts claiming the lives of 52 and injury to 3,204, while 108 incidents occurred between Awami League and BNP, costing the lives of 16 and injury to 541.

Some 31 clashes happened between BNP and Jamaat, killing two and wounding 252.

Violence has been particularly concentrated in urban centres, often during rallies, demonstrations and confrontations with law enforcement agencies.

“The scale of injuries and fatalities over such a short period is alarming and highlights the urgent need for political parties and authorities to take responsibility for public safety,” said an HRSS spokesperson.

The report highlights incidents ranging from clashes between rival factions to attacks on party offices and confrontations with police. Property damage, arson and injuries caused by batons, bricks and other projectiles were also widespread.

EXPERTS WARN OF ESCALATION

Shaharia Afrin, chairman of the Department of Criminology at Dhaka University, told the media that tensions may intensify in the run-up to the election.

“After the oust of the Awami League government, the situation is not like now as there was self-control among the countrymen. The people, mostly students, worked to keep law and order. But the self-control is now over,” she said.

Although security forces have been deployed, Afrin noted that the situation is deteriorating. “Actually, political parties have a great role to keep the law and order. Otherwise, only the security forces cannot improve the situation,” she said.

She added that police morale is being eroded by frequent attacks.

“Aggressive people are attacking cops when they are on duty. By which, the police are losing moral power much more,” she said.

Crime analyst Dr Tawohidul Haque, an associate professor at Dhaka University, said political parties were failing in their responsibilities.

“The political parties are not showing dutifulness which is causing political violence and worsening law and order,” he told the media.

“Many policemen are yet to come round from trauma they faced during the Mass Upsurge. Besides, when they go for action, they are transferred or withdrawn or suspended. So, they cannot work boldly. This is one of the reasons of the worsening law and order.”

POLICE RESPONSE

Police spokesperson Sahadat Hossaine said security forces were prepared to prevent further unrest.

“We are working to control political and other sorts of violence. We are more prepared to control the possible violence ahead of the national general election,” he told the media.

Human rights organisations and civil society groups have urged urgent investigations and stressed the need for peaceful political engagement, warning that without decisive action Bangladesh risks sliding deeper into instability.