1,621 women and children victims of abuse in 6 months: Report

Human rights organisation Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has claimed that incidents of violence against women and girls, attacks on journalists, political violence and mob violence have increased alarmingly in the country during the first six months of this year. According to the organisation's data, 1,621 women and girls were subjected to abuse from January to June. During the same period, 383 journalists were attacked and harassed in 200 incidents.

The HRSS half-yearly report on the human rights situation for the January-June 2026 period, published on Wednesday (July 15), highlighted these findings.

The report stated that in six months, 404 women were raped, 88 were gang-raped, and 17 were murdered after rape. During the same period, 1,077 children faced various forms of abuse, with 305 of them losing their lives.

On journalists, the report said 383 journalists were attacked and harassed in 200 incidents. Among them, 234 were injured, 60 were humiliated, 49 were threatened and 11 were detained. Additionally, 15 cases were filed against 33 journalists under the Cyber Security Ordinance.

The report also mentioned that in the first six months of this year, 56 people were killed and 5,246 injured in 830 incidents of political violence. Among the deceased, 37 were from BNP, six from Jamaat-e-Islami, three from Awami League and 10 from other parties. The organisation claimed that 81 percent of these clashes were centred on internal conflicts within BNP and disputes between BNP and other parties.

Furthermore, the report noted that in the same period, 133 people were killed and 256 injured in 261 incidents of mob violence and lynching.

The report also highlighted that 396 incidents of violence surrounding the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections resulted in 13 deaths and 2,578 injuries. It also mentioned attacks, vandalism, looting and arson on over 600 homes, businesses and election offices during the pre- and post-election periods.

The HRSS also expressed concern over border casualties, minority abuse, allegations of extrajudicial killings, deaths in custody, labour abuse and interference with freedom of expression.

HRSS Executive Director Ejazul Islam said integrated initiatives are needed at all levels of the state and society to establish the rule of law, strengthen democratic processes and protect human rights in the country. He called for effective measures to stop political violence, mob violence, abuse of women and children, and attacks on journalists.