Dhaka
A leading human rights organisation in Bangladesh has raised alarms over widespread abuses across the country, including mob attacks, extrajudicial killings, deaths in custody, political violence, and harassment of minorities and journalists. The Dhaka-based Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) released its annual report on Wednesday, highlighting a sharp rise in “mob terrorism” during 2025.
According to the report, mob violence claimed 197 lives in 2025, up from 128 in 2024. Since the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government took office in 2024, at least 293 people have died in mob-related incidents. ASK described cases where people were attacked or killed without investigation, often fueled by rumours, with mobs targeting cultural centres, the Baul community, and even desecrating graves. Law enforcement agencies reportedly failed to intervene in many cases, leaving perpetrators largely unpunished.
The report also recorded at least 107 deaths in prisons this year, including 69 inmates and 38 prisoners, with Dhaka Central Jail reporting the highest number at 38. Extrajudicial killings claimed 38 lives, often occurring in custody or during alleged “shootouts” or “gunfights.”
Political violence remained significant, with 401 incidents resulting in 102 deaths and 4,744 injuries. Journalists faced widespread harassment, with 381 tortured or threatened, and 23 targeted directly by law enforcement.
Minority communities, especially Hindus, were also targeted. ASK documented at least 42 attacks on Hindus in 2025, including house burnings, temple vandalism, idol destruction, and land-grabbing incidents.
The report paints a grim picture of human rights in Bangladesh, highlighting persistent violence, impunity, and ongoing threats to freedom of expression, religious minorities, and vulnerable communities under the current interim government.
