Extrajudicial and unlawful killings continue unabated

Extrajudicial killings show no signs of stopping in Bangladesh. At the same time, incidents of mob justice and unlawful killings are increasing. Even more concerning is the lack of independent investigations and fair trials against those accused of such actions. According to various human rights organizations and legal experts, the continuation of such incidents poses a major obstacle to human rights and good governance in the country. They argue that, just like in previous administrations, extrajudicial and unlawful killings continue to persist.

The latest victim of extrajudicial killing was Touhidul Islam, a youth leader of the opposition party BNP (Jubo Dal) in Cumilla. On December 30, he was allegedly picked up by a joint security force and later found dead in a hospital. His family identified his body the next day. Touhidul Islam was the convener of the Jubo Dal in the Panchthubi Union under Adarsha Sadar Upazila, Cumilla.

A November report by human rights organization "Odhikar" revealed that in September and October 2024, at least eight cases of extrajudicial killings occurred at the hands of law enforcement agencies. Additionally, during the same period, 17 people were killed in mob beatings, and 18 were killed in political violence.

A 2024 annual report by Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) states that incidents of mob lynching have increased under the current interim government. The report notes that in 2024, a total of 128 people were killed in mob beatings, broken down by region as follows:

Dhaka Division – 57

Rajshahi Division – 19

Chattogram Division – 18

Khulna Division – 14

Barishal Division – 7

Mymensingh Division – 5

Rangpur Division – 5

Sylhet Division – 4


By contrast, in 2023, only 51 people were killed in mob violence.

A report by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh states that 21 people died in extrajudicial killings or custody-related deaths in 2024. Among them:

Six died from physical torture in police custody

Three were shot by police

One committed suicide in police custody

One was tortured to death in RAB custody

One was killed in a BGB "crossfire"

Seven were tortured to death after being arrested by a joint security force

One was killed by navy personnel

One died in the custody of the Department of Narcotics Control

Out of these 21 deaths, 12 occurred after the current interim government took office.

The ASK report highlights a particularly disturbing case of mob justice: a young man was beaten to death inside the University of Dhaka. Political figures are also falling victim to such violence.

On September 7, former Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) leader Abdullah Al Masud was brutally attacked near Binodpur Bazar, adjacent to Rajshahi University. He was later handed over to the police in critical condition, but died at the hospital later that night.

In September, former organizational secretary of BCL at Jahangirnagar University, Shamim Ahmed (alias Molla Shamim), was severely beaten on campus. He later died in police custody, sparking national outrage.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Z.I. Khan Panna told Views Bangladesh that “The Constitution of Bangladesh and existing laws strictly prohibit extrajudicial killings and custodial torture, yet law enforcement agencies continue to commit such acts. Almost every major security force in the country has been accused of these violations. This is deeply concerning. Furthermore, mob justice killings have surged, making citizens feel increasingly unsafe.”

Supreme Court lawyer and human rights activist Advocate Fauzia Karim Firoz added “Over the past years, suspected criminals and opposition political figures have been killed at the hands of law enforcement, and this trend continues. The lack of independent accountability has contributed to a culture of impunity. So far, no security force personnel have been held accountable for extrajudicial killings. This proves how unsuccessful we have been in upholding human rights.”

Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman acknowledged concerns over the rule of law in Bangladesh, stating “From 2004 to 2024, a total of 2,954 people were victims of extrajudicial killings. However, past governments failed to take any legal action against such incidents. Under the current interim government, extrajudicial killings have significantly declined. The recent killing of Touhidul Islam in Cumilla is being investigated by the government.”

Regarding mob justice, the Attorney General noted “Since August 5, 2024, incidents of mob violence have increased. We have discussed this issue with the government, and mob killings have now decreased. However, more efforts are needed to improve law enforcement and ensure human rights protections.”