6 killed, 533 injured in 98 political violence incidents in April

In April this year, six people were killed and more than 533 leaders and activists of various parties and ordinary people were injured in 98 political violence incidents across the country due to party conflicts and internal conflicts. The number of political violence and casualties has decreased compared to March. In 113 incidents of violence in March, 18 people were killed and 912 were injured.

Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) informed this information in a press release sent to the media on Tuesday (May 5). The April human rights monitoring report has been prepared based on news published in the country's national media and the organization's own collected information and fact-finding reports.

Political violence
The report said that out of the 98 political violence incidents in April, at least 247 people were injured and four were killed in 40 incidents due to BNP internal conflicts. A total of 113 people were injured in 12 incidents of BNP-Jamaat clashes, 58 in 13 incidents of BNP-Awami League clashes, 26 in three incidents of BNP-NCP clashes, and 46 in 21 incidents of BNP-other parties. Twenty people were injured in one incident of internal conflict within the Jatiya Nagorik Party, and 23 in six incidents between different parties. In addition, two members of the UPDF were killed in two incidents.

Party conflict and extortion
Most of the violence occurred around dominance, political disputes, party conflict, and extortion. In addition, there were separate attacks on political leaders and activists, shootings, and incidents of vandalism and arson across the country. At least 32 people were injured and six people were killed in at least 13 attacks on leaders and activists by miscreants—three of whom were from BNP, two from Awami League, and one from Jamaat. During this time, 37 political leaders and activists were shot. At least 67 houses, businesses and party offices were vandalized, looted and set on fire in 26 incidents across the country focused on domination, occupation and extortion.

Political cases and arrests
More than 23 cases were filed against leaders and activists of various parties in April. In these cases, 386 people were named and 1,250 were named as unidentified accused. At least 282 leaders and activists of various parties have been arrested in political cases—including at least 174 from the Awami League, 84 from the BNP and 19 from the Jamaat. In addition, more than 1,089 people have been arrested in special operations by the joint forces, most of whom are leaders and activists of the Awami League, Jubo League, Swechchhasebak League and the banned Chhatra League.

Mass beatings and mob violence
The report expressed concern over incidents of mass beatings and mob violence, saying that at least 22 people were killed and 39 injured in 44 incidents on various charges including theft, robbery, snatching, verbal abuse, domineering and religious insults.

Journalist torture
In April, 75 journalists were tortured and harassed in 40 attacks. Of these, at least 42 were injured, 17 were assaulted and 10 were threatened. Three journalists were detained and five journalists were charged in four cases.

Interference with freedom of assembly and expression
In April, law enforcement directly or indirectly obstructed seven meetings and rallies, in which more than 49 people were injured and two were detained. Incidents of interference with freedom of expression also increased significantly. In at least 14 incidents, 23 people were detained and nine cases were filed. Among them, one person was arrested for posting on Facebook criticizing the Prime Minister, five for criticizing BNP leaders and activists, five for hurting religious sentiments and 12 for other reasons. In addition, 18 people have been charged and arrested in seven separate cases under the Cyber ​​Security Ordinance-2025.

Deaths in prison
At least five people have died in prisons across the country - including two prisoners and three detainees. Of these, one is an Awami League leader and activist and the remaining four are general prisoners and detainees. Religious minority persecution and attacks on shrines
Thirteen people were injured in eight attacks on minority communities this month. Three temples, two idols and a homestead were attacked and vandalized. Pir Shamim was killed and 10 followers were injured in an attack on a shrine in Kushtia.

Casualties and arrests at the border
In April, one person was killed and two were injured in eight attacks on the India-Bangladesh border. Three of them were shot and eight were detained by the BSF. Two Bangladeshis were killed in firing by Indian nationals Khasia on the Sylhet border while 18 people were detained in two incidents of violence on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border and two Rohingyas suffered serious leg injuries in a landmine planted by the Arakan Army.

Labor abuse
In April, 13 people were killed and 116 were injured in 80 labor abuse incidents. Another 64 workers died in accidents at work due to unsanitary conditions and lack of protective equipment. In addition, two domestic workers were abused in two separate incidents in Banani and Brahmanbaria of the capital.

Women and child abuse
In April, 294 women and girls were abused while 68 women, children and adolescents were raped and 30 were gang-raped. A total of 79 women and girls were sexually abused, 40 of whom were children. Eight women were killed and two were injured in torture for dowry. A total of 64 women were killed, 36 were injured and 36 others committed suicide in domestic violence while one was injured in acid throwing. In addition, 191 children were subjected to torture, of whom 57 lost their lives and 134 were subjected to physical and mental torture.