The Escalation of Violence

Nearly 300 people have been killed in political violence in Bangladesh since August 2024, following student-led protests that led to the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The findings, released sunday by Odhikar, a Dhaka-based human rights organization, paint a grim picture of the country’s security landscape in the aftermath of a critically important political transition. Hasina fled to India after her government collapsed amidst widespread demonstrations.

Odhikar’s quarterly report details at least 281 deaths directly linked to violence involving political parties. Adding to this toll, the report documents 40 victims of alleged extrajudicial killings – individuals suspected of crimes killed outside the legal system – and a further 153 deaths resulting from mob lynchings. This brings the total documented deaths to 474.

A Mixed Record on Human Rights

While Odhikar director ASM Nasiruddin Elan acknowledges improvements in human rights adherence since Hasina’s departure, he emphasizes that systemic issues persist. Specifically, Elan points to a lack of accountability within law enforcement agencies. “Yes, we don’t see the frequent extrajudicial killings or enforced disappearances that we witnessed during the Hasina era, but deaths in custody, bribery, and harassment of journalists and activists continue to be reported,” Elan stated.

During Hasina’s tenure, wich lasted over a decade, Bangladesh experienced a crackdown on dissent, with numerous reports of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Human Rights Watch documented extensive abuses during this period, including restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly. The current situation, while showing some betterment in these areas, remains precarious.

Context and Contributing factors

The rise in violence can be attributed to several factors. The power vacuum created by Hasina’s ouster has emboldened rival political groups, leading to clashes over territory and