The findings were published by HRSS 

Staff Reporter

A total of 31 people were killed in 66 incidents of mob violence and lynching across Bangladesh in May, while five others died and 289 were injured in 64 incidents of political violence during the same period, according to a report by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS).

The findings were published in HRSS’s Human Rights Monitoring Report for May 2026, released on Friday.

The organization said the report was prepared based on news reports from 16 national media outlets, collected information and fact-finding investigations.

According to the report, incidents of political violence and related casualties declined in May compared to April. It said 64 incidents of political violence in May left five people dead and 289 injured, while April saw 98 incidents with six deaths and 533 injuries.

HRSS said most political violence stemmed from disputes over dominance, intra-party conflicts, political rivalry and extortion. It said at least eight incidents involved clashes marked by attacks, vandalism, looting and arson targeting 134 houses, business establishments and party offices.

Expressing concern over mob violence, the organisation said 66 incidents of lynching and mob attacks, triggered by allegations including theft, robbery, mugging, religious defamation and local power disputes, left 31 people dead and 68 injured.

The report also highlighted concerns over journalist safety, saying 78 journalists faced harassment and abuse in 39 incidents during the month. It said 42 journalists were injured, 18 were assaulted, nine received threats and one was detained, while eight journalists were named in two separate cases.

HRSS also raised concerns over restrictions on freedom of assembly and expression. It documented alleged direct or indirect obstruction by law enforcement at 10 public gatherings, resulting in injuries to more than 41 people. It said six individuals were detained and seven cases were filed in connection with 11 incidents involving alleged interference with freedom of expression.

The report said at least seven inmates died in prisons in May.

On border-related violence, it said six people were killed and 20 injured in six incidents along the Bangladesh-India border, while 14 people were detained by India’s Border Security Force (BSF). It added that three people were killed and one injured in separate landmine explosions along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.

On labor rights, HRSS said 20 workers were killed and 130 injured in 57 incidents of worker abuse and labor-related violence. It also said 41 workers died in workplace accidents linked to inadequate safety measures and a lack of protective equipment.

The report painted a grim picture of violence against women and children, saying 305 women and girls were subjected to various forms of abuse in May. It said 83 were victims of rape, including 57 children and adolescents, while 17 were victims of gang rape and 76 experienced sexual harassment.

It said domestic violence remained a major concern, with 63 women killed, 31 injured and 45 reported to have died by suicide. One woman was injured in an acid attack.

On child rights, HRSS said at least 215 children suffered different forms of abuse during the month, including 56 deaths.

In its overall assessment, HRSS Executive Director Ejazul Islam said the continued prevalence of political violence, mob attacks, restrictions on freedom of expression, attacks on journalists, violence against women and children, border-related violence and lab our abuses remained deeply concerning.

He said arrests, harassment and legal action over social media posts had created fresh concerns over civil liberties.

Islam called on the government to take a more accountable role in protecting human rights and urged civil society, media and rights organizations to play a more active role in addressing the situation.