The country’s human rights situation over the last 17 months under the interim government has been “deeply alarming”, according to a report released by Human Rights Support Society (HRSS).
The findings were disclosed on Wednesday at a programme held at the National Press Club, where HRSS presented its report on human rights conditions and pre-election violence during the 17 months.
According to the report, at least 1,411 incidents of political violence occurred since 5 August 2024, leaving a minimum of 195 people dead.
It also documented 413 incidents of mob violence, in which at least 313 people were killed. In addition, journalists were attacked in 427 incidents, with at least 834 media workers reportedly becoming victims.
The situation of violence against women was described as even more worrying. The report said more than 2,500 women and children faced abuse during the period.
A total of 1,016 women were victims of rape, including 230 cases of gang rape.
HRSS observed that the deteriorating human rights situation was largely due to the inactivity of law enforcement agencies, the lack of an effective role by the government and the irresponsibility and indifference of major political parties. It noted a rise in incidents of rape and violence against women, border killings, attacks and vandalism at shrines, as well as assaults on media outlets and journalists.
The report also highlighted an increase in extortion, theft, snatching, robbery and murder, creating fear and insecurity among the public.
Meanwhile, another research report on public opinion ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election was released by the Communications and Research Foundation (CRF) at a separate event at the National Press Club.
The CRF report said voters are giving more importance to corruption and rising commodity prices than religion in the upcoming election.
According to the report, voter security remains the most critical concern. Many people are worried about whether the election will be held properly and whether voting will be conducted in a safe and secure environment.
The study also found shifts in voter preference, noting that nearly half of Awami League voters are leaning towards BNP, while more than one-third of new voters expressed a preference for Jamaat, according to the research findings.
