Mob violence, cyber arrests rise despite fall in political violence: HRSS

Incidents of mob violence, cyber-related arrests, border killings and attacks on journalists rose significantly in May, even as political violence showed a slight decline compared to the previous month, according to a report by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS).
The monthly report, published on Friday, said at least 31 people were killed and 68 injured in 66 incidents of mob violence across the country in May, up from 22 deaths in April.
Political violence, however, declined during the same period, with five people killed and more than 289 injured in 64 incidents, compared with six deaths in 98 incidents in April.
The report said internal conflicts within political groups remained a key driver of unrest. It recorded 18 intra-party clashes injuring 114 people, while 10 clashes between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami left one person dead and 49 injured. Another 14 incidents involving BNP and Awami League activists resulted in two deaths and 72 injuries.
Widespread property damage was also reported, with at least 134 houses, businesses and political offices vandalised, looted or set on fire in eight major incidents, double the figure recorded in April.
Law enforcement agencies intensified nationwide operations during the month. HRSS said 331 political activists were arrested in various cases, while more than 1,935 people were detained in joint-force drives, most of them linked to the Awami League, Jubo League, Swechchhasebak League and the banned Chhatra League.
Commenting on the trend, retired Additional Inspector General of Police M Akbar Ali said shifting political dynamics had contributed to increased factional clashes, while security operations were largely focused on organised crime, extortion and militant activities. He added that leadership disputes and local rivalries had fuelled more intra-party violence than clashes between opposing political groups.
The report expressed concern over rising mob justice, noting that victims were often targeted over allegations of theft, robbery, extortion, land disputes and religious defamation.
Senior human rights lawyer Manzill Murshid said mob violence stemmed from declining trust in law enforcement and judicial institutions, adding that weak accountability had worsened the situation. He also alleged that the 18-month tenure of the interim government contributed to a rise in mob violence and broader social disorder, claiming such incidents often occurred with state tolerance. On freedom of expression, the report said at least 10 public gatherings were obstructed, leaving more than 41 people injured. Under the Cyber Protection Ordinance-2025, six people were arrested and 12 were accused in 11 cases related to online expression, including criticism of political leaders and alleged religious offence.
Journalists continued to face pressure, with 78 media workers affected in 39 incidents. Among them, 42 were injured, 18 assaulted and nine threatened while performing their duties.
Senior journalist Masood Kamal said the growing criminalisation of journalism posed a serious threat to press freedom, warning against misuse of cyber laws that could discourage public-interest reporting. Border-related violence also increased in May. HRSS recorded six deaths and 20 injuries in incidents involving India’s Border Security Force along the Bangladesh–India border, compared to two deaths in April. Along the Bangladesh–Myanmar border, three people were killed in landmine explosions and 18 Bangladeshis were detained by the Arakan Army. The report also documented two alleged extrajudicial killings, including one involving forest officials in the Sundarbans and another during an anti-drug operation. Seven inmates also died in custody during the month.
Women and children remained among the most vulnerable groups. HRSS recorded 305 incidents of abuse involving women and children, including 83 rape cases, 57 of them involving minors, and 17 gang rape incidents. Domestic violence claimed 63 lives, while 45 women died by suicide. Child abuse remained widespread, with 215 incidents affecting children and 56 child deaths reported in May.
Workplace safety also remained a concern, with 41 workers killed in accidents linked to poor safety standards and 20 others dying in 57 incidents of abuse and torture. Minority communities were also targeted, with three incidents reported, leaving five people injured and six homes vandalised. Two attacks on religious shrines were recorded in Kushtia and Dhaka.
HRSS Executive Director Izazul Islam warned that the human rights situation could deteriorate further without urgent corrective measures. He urged stronger accountability, rule of law enforcement and protection of fundamental rights, calling on civil society to remain vigilant in safeguarding democratic freedoms and human rights.