The Bangladesh Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has released its human rights report for October, shedding light on the current human rights situation in the country. According to the organisation, while some areas have seen improvement under the interim government following the fall of Hasina’s administration, the overall human rights landscape has not achieved the expected progress. Throughout October 2024, incidents of political violence for dominance, mob killings, political arrests, journalist repression, worker killings, extrajudicial executions, attacks on minority communities, violence against Bangladeshi citizens along the borders, and abuse against women and children have continued.
This month, journalist Swapan Kumar Bhadra and Deepto TV’s Tanzeel Jahan Islam Tamim were killed. Additionally, several detainees faced physical assault and harassment when presented in court. Around 17,000 tea workers went on strike over unpaid wages, and in Ashulia and Savar, one female worker was fatally shot by police during labor unrest. Alongside incidents of Bangladeshi nationals being killed at the Indian border, attacks on Bangladeshis along the Myanmar border have also intensified.
According to HRSS’s report, there were at least 68 instances of political violence in October, with at least nine fatalities and 400 injuries. Many of these incidents involved clashes between various political parties. Additionally, at least 319 people were arrested this month, most of whom were from the Awami League. The repression of journalists also continued, with 21 incidents recorded, leading to the deaths of two journalists, 22 injuries, and seven arrests.
In October, three people lost their lives in encounters or while in custody with law enforcement. Four prison inmates also died in custody. Bangladeshi nationals suffered casualties and injuries due to attacks by BSF and BGP along the borders, while minority communities endured at least 10 incidents of violence, including attacks and vandalism of temples and idols.
Nineteen incidents of mob violence resulted in 19 deaths, and there were at least 26 fatalities in 38 incidents of labor abuse. Alarming trends in violence against women and children continued, with 55 women and children reported as rape victims, including seven killed after being assaulted.
HRSS has called upon the government to take greater responsibility for protecting human rights and urged active support from citizens, students, journalists, political leaders, and human rights organizations to safeguard fundamental rights and ensure democratic practices in the country.
