HRSS Report: 56 killed in political violence, 133 in mob violence within 6 months

Political violence has claimed 56 lives across the country in the first six months of this year, leaving approximately 5,246 people injured, according to a claim made by the human rights organization Human Rights Support Society (HRSS).

These statistics were highlighted in HRSS's half-yearly human rights report for the January–June 2026 period, published today, Wednesday. The report states that during the same timeframe, 133 people were killed and 256 others were injured in 261 incidents of mob violence and mass beatings. Additionally, 1,621 women and young girls were subjected to various abuses, and 383 journalists fell victim to harassment or violence in 200 separate incidents.

The organization claimed that the report was compiled based on coverage from 16 national dailies, its own information-gathering systems, and fact-finding reports.

According to HRSS, the 56 fatalities resulting from 830 incidents of political violence over these six months included 37 members of the BNP, 6 from Jamaat-e-Islami, 3 from the Awami League, and 10 from other political parties. The report notes that 81% of these clashes stemmed from internal conflicts within the BNP and disputes between the BNP and other parties.

The organization further stated that 13 people were killed and 2,578 were injured in 396 incidents of violence surrounding the 13th National Parliamentary Election. During the pre- and post-election periods, more than 600 homes, businesses, and campaign offices were subjected to attacks, vandalism, looting, and arson.

The report also detailed that among the women and young girls abused over the last six months, 404 were raped, 88 were victims of gang rape, and 17 were murdered after being raped. Furthermore, 1,077 children faced abuse, resulting in 305 deaths.

Highlighting the challenges faced by the press, the report indicated that 383 journalists were tortured or harassed across 200 incidents in these six months. Among them, 234 were injured, 60 were assaulted, 49 were threatened, and 11 were detained. Additionally, 15 lawsuits were filed against 33 journalists under the Cyber Security Act.

The report also expressed deep concern regarding border casualties, persecution of minorities, allegations of extrajudicial killings, deaths in custody, labor abuse, and restrictions on freedom of expression.

Ijajul Islam, Executive Director of HRSS, said, "To establish the rule of law in the country, strengthen democratic processes, and protect human rights, a coordinated effort is required at all levels of the state and society."

He urged the authorities to take effective measures to halt political violence, mob justice, violence against women and children, and attacks on journalists.