491 bodies recovered from rivers, canals, forests and abandoned sites in 9 months: HRSS

At least 73 people were killed and more than 6,473 injured in 1,013 incidents of political violence across Bangladesh between January and September this year, according to a report by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS). During the same period, 187 people were killed in 398 incidents of mob violence and lynching, while 95 inmates died in prisons.

The report also documented violence against 2,404 women and girls and the abuse or harassment of 518 journalists. In addition, 491 bodies were recovered in connection with 465 suspected murder incidents in rivers, canals, forests and abandoned places across the country.

HRSS disclosed the findings in a press release sent to the media on Sunday. The report on the country’s human rights situation from January to September was compiled by analysing news published in 16 national newspapers, information collected by the organisation and investigative reports.

According to the report, 342 incidents of internal clashes within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) left 40 people dead and 2,632 injured. A further 321 clashes between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami killed 11 people and injured 2,190. In 93 clashes between the BNP and the Awami League, nine people were killed and 545 injured. Another 47 clashes between the BNP and the National Citizen Party (NCP) left 320 people injured.

Five clashes between the Awami League and the NCP injured 58 people. Two clashes between the Awami League and Jamaat left one person dead and three injured. One incident of internal conflict within the Awami League resulted in a death. Clashes between the BNP and other parties accounted for 128 incidents and 320 injuries, while 74 incidents involving other political groups left 11 people dead and 405 injured.

HRSS estimated that 91% of all political violence—931 incidents—stemmed from internal BNP disputes and clashes between the BNP and other parties.

Among those killed in political violence were 46 BNP members, eight Jamaat members, six Awami League members, one person identified as an extremist and 12 people, including a woman, whose political affiliations were unknown or who were associated with other groups.

The report identified disputes over local dominance, political rivalries, possible candidacies in the 13th parliamentary election and the upcoming local government elections, rallies and clashes between supporters as factors behind the violence. Other reported incidents included attacks, vandalism, arson, looting and extortion.

The report further said that at least 88 attacks by alleged criminals targeting political leaders and activists left at least 100 people injured and 52 dead. Those killed included 30 BNP members, 11 Awami League members, five Jamaat members and six members of other parties.

More than 150 political figures were shot and wounded during the period, according to HRSS. Across the country, more than 1,000 homes, businesses and party offices were attacked, vandalised, looted or set on fire in incidents linked to disputes over dominance, occupation, elections and extortion.

Election-related violence

A total of 402 incidents of violence linked to the 13th parliamentary election and the upcoming local government elections were recorded over the nine months, leaving 13 people dead and 2,623 injured. More than 600 businesses, homes and election offices were attacked, vandalised, looted or set on fire before and after elections.

Internal BNP clashes accounted for 123 incidents, in which eight people were killed and 941 injured. A further 234 clashes between the BNP and Jamaat left four people dead and 1,438 injured. Three clashes between the BNP and the Awami League killed one person and injured three. Sixteen clashes between the BNP and the NCP injured 141 people, while 17 incidents involving the BNP and other parties left 63 injured. Ten incidents involving other political groups resulted in 38 injuries.

Those killed in election-related violence included nine BNP members, two Jamaat members, one Awami League member and one person whose political affiliation was unknown.

More than 270 cases were filed against political leaders and activists. The cases named 5,809 individuals and listed another 32,433 as unidentified accused. A total of 5,644 activists from different parties were arrested, including 4,827 from the Awami League, 609 from the BNP, 145 from Jamaat, 43 from the NCP and 37 people identified as extremists.

Separately, more than 63,000 people were arrested in routine operations targeting terrorism, sabotage, people wanted under arrest warrants and other efforts to maintain law and order.

Mob violence and attacks on journalists

A total of 398 incidents of mob violence and lynching, prompted by allegations ranging from theft, robbery and snatching to arguments, disputes over local dominance, religious insult, rape and attempted rape, left 187 people dead and 401 injured.

During the same period, 518 journalists were subjected to abuse or harassment in 288 incidents. Of them, 297 were injured, 87 were humiliated or mistreated and 77 received threats. Twenty journalists were detained.

Nineteen cases were filed against 51 journalists under the Cyber Security Act 2026, the report said.

Law enforcement agencies also directly or indirectly obstructed 58 meetings and rallies. These incidents left 439 people injured and 46 detained, including political activists, students, workers and passers-by.

A further 40 cases were filed under various provisions of the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 and the Cyber Security Act 2026, with 113 people accused and 55 arrested. Twelve people were detained over allegations of posting objectionable content about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Four people were killed, four subjected to abuse and 21 detained in incidents related to criticism of political figures, ongoing political issues, the July uprising, drugs, power outages, defamatory content and insulting remarks. Twenty cases were filed in connection with these incidents, and 12 people were dismissed from their jobs or subjected to similar disciplinary measures.

Twenty-four people were detained over allegations of hurting religious sentiments or insulting the Quran, with 24 cases filed and two people beaten. Another 29 people were detained in incidents involving cyberbullying, criticism and abusive comments on Facebook, among other issues.

Deaths in custody and prisons

Ninety-five inmates died in prisons over the nine months, including 40 convicted prisoners and 55 detainees awaiting trial. Of the deceased, 20 were recorded as members of the Awami League or its affiliated organisations, one as a BNP member and 74 as ordinary inmates.

At least 17 people died in incidents involving law enforcement custody, alleged torture, gunfire and reported gunfights. Twelve died in custody or after alleged torture, two were shot dead and three were killed in gunfights, according to HRSS.

At least 10 other people died in various circumstances, including falling from multi-storey buildings or drowning while fleeing arrest. The report also mentioned the death of an auto-rickshaw driver with a mental illness after police seized his vehicle.

Enforced disappearances and abductions

HRSS documented at least one alleged enforced disappearance and one case of forcible abduction during the period.

On the evening of 10 April, Miraj Sheikh, 32, was allegedly disappeared in Mongla, Bagerhat, by people posing as members of the Coast Guard.

The report also said businessman Shamim Khan was taken away by plainclothes individuals from Mirpur in Dhaka on 26 August. Two days later, he was shown as arrested in a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Attacks on minorities

Over the nine months, 56 attacks targeting minority communities left 62 people injured. The report documented attacks and vandalism involving 21 temples, 20 idols and 47 homes. Four incidents of land grabbing were also recorded.

In a separate incident, a woman from an ethnic minority community was gang-raped.

Bodies recovered from rivers, canals, forests and abandoned sites

HRSS reported that 491 bodies were recovered in connection with 465 incidents of suspected murder in rivers, canals, forests and abandoned locations.

Of the bodies recovered, 46 were found stuffed into sacks, 87 were found hanging and 74 bore multiple injury marks. Thirty-five bodies had their throats slit, while 31 were found with their hands and feet bound. Another 218 bodies were recovered in various circumstances.

Casualties along the borders

Along the India-Bangladesh border, 43 incidents of attacks attributed to the Border Security Force (BSF) left 13 people dead and 39 injured. Of those injured, 22 had suffered gunshot wounds. A further 44 people were detained in different border areas.

Along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, 24 violent incidents left one person dead, six injured, six shot and 83 detained.

Separately, landmine explosions involving mines reportedly planted by the Arakan Army in border areas killed eight people and injured five.

Abuse of workers

HRSS documented 582 incidents of violence against workers over the nine months, leaving 145 people dead and 1,263 injured. Workplace accidents caused by unhealthy conditions and a lack of protective equipment killed 390 workers.

Twenty-six people were detained during protests demanding wages and benefits.

The report also recorded the deaths of three domestic workers, abuse of seven others and the mysterious deaths of five. All but six of the domestic workers who died or suffered abuse were children or adolescents, it said.

Violence against women and children

Between January and September, 2,404 women and girls were subjected to violence, according to the report. At least 657 were raped. Of them, 392—or 60%—were under the age of 18.

A total of 130 victims, or 20%, were gang-raped. Twenty-nine people were killed after rape, while two died by suicide after being raped.

Another 696 women and girls experienced sexual harassment or assault, including 276 children, or 40% of the total.

Dowry-related violence killed 32 women and injured 35, while five women died by suicide. Domestic violence claimed the lives of 457 women.