At least 40 people died in political violence and mob justice incidents across the country in June this year. Of these, 31 lost their lives to mob justice. During the same period, 352 women and girls, and 47 journalists were subjected to abuse and harassment. These figures emerged from the June 2026 human rights situation report published by the human rights organization Human Rights Support Society (HRSS). The report was compiled based on news published in 16 national media outlets, collected information, and fact-finding reports.
According to the report, 9 people were killed and 346 injured in 58 incidents of political violence in June. In May, these figures were 5 killed and 289 injured. Among the political violence incidents, intra-BNP conflicts accounted for 21 incidents, resulting in 3 deaths and 146 injuries. Eight incidents of BNP-Jamaat clashes led to 2 deaths and 36 injuries, while 14 incidents of BNP-Awami League clashes resulted in 2 deaths and 115 injuries. Among the deceased were 4 from BNP, 2 from Awami League, 1 from Shibir, 1 from UPDF, and 1 member of an extremist organization.
Regarding political cases, the report stated that more than 22 cases were filed against leaders and activists of various parties in June. In these cases, 627 individuals were named, and approximately 1,262 others were identified as unknown accused. During the same period, a total of 4,775 people were arrested in 257 incidents, including political and other cases. Among those arrested were at least 1,559 leaders and activists from the Awami League, the party of the previous government, 35 from BNP, and 2 from Jamaat-e-Islami.
The report noted mob violence and lynching incidents in June as alarming, stating that 31 people were killed and 69 injured in 63 incidents triggered by various allegations including theft, robbery, mugging, and religious desecration. Additionally, 66 law enforcement members were injured in 29 incidents during attacks by local crowds, snatching of accused individuals, and operational duties.
Regarding violence against journalists, the report stated that 47 journalists were subjected to abuse and harassment in 39 incidents in June. Among them, at least 28 were injured, 5 assaulted, and 9 faced threats. Furthermore, 5 journalists were detained, and 12 journalists were named as accused in 7 cases. In terms of freedom of expression, the report highlighted 11 individuals detained in at least 11 incidents and information about seven cases in June.
Concerning extrajudicial killings and deaths in custody, the report stated that three people died in June due to clashes with law enforcement, custody, and torture. Among them, 2 died in alleged shootouts and one died from torture in DB (Detective Branch) custody. An additional four people died while attempting to escape arrest. During the same period, seven prisoners died in various prisons across the country.
The report stated that 7 individuals were injured in 12 attacks on minority communities in June. During this time, 12 temples, 11 idols, and 7 homes were attacked and vandalized. Additionally, one indigenous woman was gang-raped. The situation of violence against women and children was also noted as alarming. Of the 352 women and girls subjected to violence in June, 106 were raped, the majority of whom were children and adolescents. 291 children were affected by violence, with 54 of them killed.
Regarding labor rights, the report mentioned that 11 workers were killed and 184 injured in 55 incidents of labor abuse in June. An additional 39 workers died in accidents due to unsafe and unhealthy working conditions. 26 garment workers were detained during protests demanding wages and benefits.
The report also expressed concern over the border situation. Along the India-Bangladesh border, two people were killed, two injured, and four shot in five incidents, with BSF detaining one individual. On the other hand, three people died in landmine explosions along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, and 12 were detained by the Arakan Army.
HRSS Executive Director Ijazul Islam stated that the continuity of political and mob violence, interference with freedom of expression, abuse of journalists, and violence against women, children, and workers has made the country’s human rights situation alarming. He called for more accountability from the government in protecting human rights, alongside an active role from civil society and the media.
