31 killed in mob violence, 305 women and children abused in May: Report

In the past month of May, 5 people were killed and 289 injured in 64 incidents of political violence across the country. During the same period, 31 people lost their lives in 66 incidents of mob violence and lynching. Additionally, 305 women and children were victims of abuse, and 78 journalists suffered harassment and torture.

The Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) revealed these findings in its May 2026 human rights situation monitoring report published on Friday, June 5.

The report also noted that in 39 incidents, 78 journalists were victims of harassment and torture. Among them, 42 were injured, 18 were humiliated, and 9 were threatened. One journalist was detained, and eight journalists were accused in two cases.

In terms of freedom of assembly and expression, 10 incidents of direct or indirect obstruction by law enforcement agencies were reported, leaving over 41 people injured. In 11 incidents of interference with freedom of expression, six people were detained and seven cases were filed.

At least seven prisoners died in jail in May. On the Bangladesh-India border, six people were killed and 20 injured in six incidents, with 14 detained by BSF. On the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, three were killed and one injured in a landmine explosion.

In labour rights violations, 20 workers were killed and 130 injured in 57 incidents. Another 41 workers died in accidents due to workplace insecurity and lack of safety equipment.

A total of 305 women and girls were victims of abuse, including 83 rape victims (57 of them children or adolescents), 17 gang-rape victims, and 76 victims of sexual abuse. Domestic violence killed 63 women, injured 31, and led to 45 suicides. At least 215 children suffered various forms of abuse, with 56 deaths.

HRSS Executive Director Ijazul Islam expressed concern over the persistent pattern of political violence, mob lynching, press freedom violations, border violence and labour abuse. He called for greater accountability from the government and urged civil society, media and rights organisations to become more active.