Mob Violence Rises in May, While Political Violence Declines

Mob violence in the country increased at an alarming rate in May compared to April this year. According to the Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF), the number of deaths rose from 21 to 32, while injuries increased from 49 to 71. This marks the highest level in the past six months.

In its monthly report published on Sunday, MSF said at least 69 mob violence incidents occurred in May. These incidents left 32 people dead, 71 others seriously injured, and 35 individuals handed over to police in injured condition after being beaten by mobs.

Among those killed in mob attacks, 14 died over allegations of theft, six over prior enmity, two over robbery allegations, and two over allegations of rape attempts or harassment.

In addition, one person was killed over murder allegations, one over mugging accusation, one for alleged verbal abuse, and one on suspicion of drug dealing. Several others were also killed following incidents linked to accidents, extortion, obstruction of theft, land disputes, failure to return loaned money, and altercations.

Among those seriously injured in mob attacks, 23 were harmed during special police operations, five over murder allegations, five over rape allegations, four in land-related disputes, four over rape attempts or harassment allegations, and two over theft allegations. Others were also seriously injured in incidents linked to political disputes, extramarital affairs, financial disputes, fraud, and alleged medical negligence.

MSF said this reflects a clear rise in the tendency to take the law into one’s own hands. The organization stated that killing through mob violence is a criminal offence and should be treated as an extrajudicial killing.

Political Violence

Compared to April, political violence incidents, deaths, and injuries slightly decreased in May. However, clashes over dominance and internal conflicts within the BNP continued. Additionally, disputes between different BNP factions and clashes involving Jamaat-e-Islami and leaders and activists of the banned Awami League were also reported.

A total of 34 political violence incidents occurred in May, leaving three people dead and 193 injured. Among the deceased were one BNP activist, one Jamaat activist, and one civilian woman.

Of the incidents, 16 were linked to internal BNP conflicts, five to BNP-Awami League clashes, six to BNP-Jamaat clashes, one involving BNP-Awami League-Jamaat, one between BNP and NCP, one internal NCP conflict, and one clash between Jamaat and the banned Awami League. In addition, three incidents involved vandalism with no casualties.

Violence Against Women and Children

Violence against women and children also increased in May. According to MSF data, 326 women and children were victims of abuse during the month.

Among them, 78 were raped, 16 were gang-raped, six were killed after rape, and 28 were victims of attempted rape. Additionally, 18 faced sexual harassment, 43 suffered physical assault, three were victims of acid violence, and 30 died by suicide. Twelve were abducted or went missing, while 79 women were killed.

The report also said at least six rape and sexual violence cases in May were settled locally through arbitration, bypassing legal procedures and violating the law.

MSF said weak preventive measures and a culture of impunity continue to place women and children at high risk, making their safety a major challenge.