Human Rights Monitoring Report

The Human Rights Situation in Bangladesh 2025

In 2025, the people of Bangladesh witnessed several important developments. The interim government, which assumed responsibility as a result of the 2024 mass uprising, set up six reform commissions and later the consensus commission. These commissions held long-term meetings with active political parties and formulated the July Charter for the reconstruction of Bangladesh. At the same time, the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election on February 12, 2026 and the referendum on the July Charter has been announced. The present government has taken some significant steps to promote judicial independence and human rights. The ordinance for the establishment of a separate judiciary secretariat, an ordinance on the Human Rights Commission, the enforced disappearances prevention and redressal ordinance, and the ordinance were issued according to the recommendations of the Police Reform Commission. 

The present government has taken some steps to promote human rights, but it has been negligible compared to the need. As a result, the real picture of the human rights situation in 2025 was worrisome. The human rights situation in 2025 was dismal due to the inactivity of law enforcement agencies in preventing human rights violations of citizens, the lack of effective role of the government, and the irresponsibility and apathy of the larger political parties. Even after more than half a century of independence, the guarantee of people's expected standard of living, rights and security has not been realized. For the people of Bangladesh, the real establishment of equality, human dignity, social justice, human rights, and democracy remains a dream. Although there were expectations of an overall improvement in the human rights situation under the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, which was formed through the mass uprising of August 2024 at the cost of thousands of student and citizen lives, the previous patterns of human rights violations continued, and some new patterns were added.

A review of the 2025 Human Rights Situation shows that political violence, mob violence, public lynchings and killings, deaths in custody and torture, repression and rape of women, border killings, attacks and vandalism at shrines, and attacks on the media and journalists have increased. Interference with freedom of speech, child abuse, persecution of minorities, death in prison, attacks on workers, obstruction of meetings and assemblies have been reported regularly. During this period, a number of social crimes, including extortion, theft, snatching, robbery, and murder have taken place, which have created fear and panic among the people.

On February 5, 6 and 7, agitated students attacked, vandalised and set on fire to the house of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sudha Sadan, the residence of Sheikh Hasina, and the offices and houses of Awami League leaders at different places across the country Following the announcement of broadcasting statements by former ruler Sheikh Hasina in virtual programs.  On May 12, the interim government led by Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus banned the activities of the Awami League and its affiliates, associates and like-minded organisations, which were ousted in August last year.

Tension and clashes between student organizations in educational institutions across the country created fear among students. In the capital, road blockades for various demands caused public suffering. There were several incidents of attacks on political leaders and activists at court premises and prison gates, and attacks on police stations and police to snatch accused persons, allegedly involving leaders and activists of political organizations. Allegations of irregularities arose in joint force operations, including special operations named “Operation Devil Hunt,” conducted to combat terrorism and improve law and order. Additionally, incidents such as push-ins of Bengali-speaking people through various Indian borders by the BSF, killing, injuring, and arresting innocent Bangladeshis, and the detention of Bangladeshi vessels and fishermen by Myanmar’s Arakan Army, along with cross-border shootings, landmine explosions, and mortar shell explosions, raised serious concerns about the human rights situation.

On 16 July 2025, during clashes and shootings between joint forces and local Awami League and banned Chhatra League activists surrounding the NCP’s “July Padajatra” program in Gopalganj, five people were killed and more than a hundred were injured. In Rangpur, following the arrest of a teenager on allegations of blasphemy, an enraged mob carried out brutal attacks on at least 20 houses of the Hindu minority community. On 9 July 2025, in front of Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital (Midford) in Old Dhaka, businessman Md. Sohag was brutally beaten, hacked, and crushed to death in public, which was extremely barbaric and worrisome.

On July 21, a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) fighter training aircraft crashed at Milestone School and College in Dhaka's Uttara area. At least 37 people, including the pilot, were killed and more than 150 were seriously injured, most of them were children.

On August 15, several individuals were harassed and beaten up while paying homage at Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's residence in Dhanmondi 32. Former DUCSU Vice-President Nurul Haque Nur and several other leaders and activists were seriously injured in a clash between the Jatiya Party and the Gono Odhikar Parishad in front of the Jatiya Partys Kakrail Bijoynagar office in the capital. on August 29. As a consequence, on 30 August, the Jatiya Party central office in Kakrail was vandalized and set on fire. Similar attacks occurred on Jatiya Party offices in several districts.

In September, severe violence in Guimara, Khagrachhari district resulted in the killing of three hill people, attacks on law enforcement, and the burning of more than a hundred houses and shops in Rameshu Bazaar. Additionally, female candidates in DUCSU, JUCSU, CUCSU, JnUCSU, and RUCSU elections faced severe bullying on social media.

It is a tragic incident that on December 12, Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was seriously injured when miscreants shot him in the head in the Paltan-Bijoynagar area of the capital. He died in a hospital in Singapore on December 18 after a week-long life-and-death battle. Osman Hadi was a thoughtful political figure, an important voice of the mass uprising and was campaigning as a potential candidate in the upcoming election in Dhaka-8 constituency. It is alarming that following the spread of news of Sharif Osman bin Hadi’s death on the night of 18 December, organized attackers vandalized, looted, and set fire to the offices of Prothom Alo in Karwan Bazar and The Daily Star on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue. At the same time, they vandalized and looted the offices of cultural institutions Chhayanaut and Udichi. It is also alarming that on the night of 18 December, in front of Pioneer Knitwears (BD) Limited factory in Jamirdia Dubaliapara, Bhaluka upazila, Mymensingh, a garment worker named Dipu Chandra Das (27) was publicly beaten to death on false allegations of making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The mob later hung the body from a tree one kilometer away on the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway and burned it with petrol.

Ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections, the level of political instability, party and internal violence, infighting, party dominance and political discord has increased to a great extent. Political counter-attacks, intimidation, obstruction and suppression are being put under pressure in different regions, especially as the election atmosphere becomes increasingly heated. Even the loss of life and casualties due to domination and political conflict is an indication of multi-dimensional crisis and concern.

Based on reports published in 15 national newspapers and information collected by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), the following findings emerged in the 2025 Human Rights Monitoring Report:

1. Political violence

At least 133 people were killed and injured in a minimum of 914 "political violence" incidents in 2025. Most of the violence has been related to dominance, political vendetta, rally-centered violence, disputes over committee formation, election-centered violence, extortion and occupation of various establishments. Of the 914 incidents of violence, at least 4,716 (63%) and 82 (62%) were injured in the clashes between BNP and its affiliated and allied organizations, 802 people were injured and 19 were killed in 152 clashes between BNP and Awami League. 676 people were injured and 2 killed in 69 clashes between BNP and Jamaat. 143 people were injured in 19 clashes between BNP and NCP. 66 people were injured and 1 killed in 23 clashes between Awami League and NCP. 11 people were injured and 2 killed in 9 clashes between Awami League and Jamaat. 153 people were injured and 7 killed in 13 incidents of internal feuds within the Awami League. 45 people were injured in 14 incidents of internal feuds within the NCP. 5 people were injured in 2 incidents of internal feuds within Jamaat. 33 people were injured in 4 clashes between the Jatiya Party and Gono Odhikar Parishad. 30 people were injured in clashes between the Police and Gono Odhikar Parishad, while 122 incidents occurred involving other parties. Among the 133 deceased, 93 were from BNP (70%), 23 from Awami League (17%), and 3 from Jamaat. Additionally, 1 person from Inqilab Mancha, 1 from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, 6 from UPDF, and 1 from an extremist group were killed. The political identity of the remaining 5 victims, including one woman, could not be confirmed. Out of 914 incidents of violence, 767 (84%) occurred due to BNP's internal feuds or clashes between BNP and other political parties. Furthermore, at least 108 people were killed and 189 injured in 169 incidents of attacks on political leaders and activists by terrorists and miscreants. In these attacks, 108 individuals were killed, including 34 from Awami League, 60 from BNP, 6 from Jamaat (including one woman), and 8 from other parties. Moreover, in the past year, more than 250 people suffered gunshot wounds, and over a thousand houses, businesses, and vehicles were vandalized, torched, or looted, along with hundreds of political party offices.

2. Electoral violence

Ahead of the upcoming thirteenth National parliamentary election, clashes, attacks, vandalism and arson have taken place among nomination-centric prospective candidates of various parties and deprived activists-supporters. Besides, processions, protest rallies, strikes,  highway blockades,  protests by burning tires, attacks on houses and offices and vandalism have created new concerns. At least 494 people were injured and 3 killed in at least 54 incidents of election-related violence in October, November and December.

On December 18, Sharif Osman Hadi, a spokesman for the Inqilab Mancha, died in a hospital in Singapore after a week-long life-and-death battle. He was seriously injured when miscreants shot him in the head in the capital's Paltan-Bijoynagar area on December 12. Osman Hadi was a thoughtful political figure, an important voice of the mass uprising and was campaigning as a possible candidate in the upcoming election in Dhaka-8 constituency  .   On November 5, a man named Sarwar Hossain alias Babla (43) was shot dead in Chittagong while taking part in an election campaign with BNP's nominee. Three people, identified as Ershad Ullah, Sarwar and Shanto, were injured in the clash. Sarwar died on the spot. Besides, Tanjin Ahmed (30), a Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal activist, was killed in a clash between two factions over BNP's nomination dispute in Mymensingh-3 (Gauripur) constituency. The deceased was identified as Tanjin Ahmed, son of late Abul Hossain of Daulat Munshi Road area of Mymensingh city.

3. Mob Violence and Mob Lynching

It is concerning that at least 168 people were killed and at least 248 injured in minimum 292 incidents of mob violence and mob lynching in 2025. According to media reports, former election commissioner KM Nurul Huda was harassed and humiliated on June 22, a mentally unstable 50-year-old man was beaten to death on June 16 at Ramgati in Laxmipur on suspicion of being a thief, and on May 13, a Jubo League activist named Zakir Hossain (41) was beaten to death at Sonaimuri in Noakhali. Two Iranian nationals were beaten to death in the capital's Bashundhara residential area on March 4 afternoon on suspicion of being muggers, two Jamaat-e-Islami activists were beaten to death in Chattogram's Aocchia union on the night of March 3 after being declared “robbers” over a loudspeaker and on the night of 28 February in a robbery incident in Madaripur, in Shariatpur, in the mob beating of 7 robbers, 5 people were killed and 2 were injured. A 28-year-old man named Zahed Mia was tied to a tree and set ablaze on suspicion of stealing a mobile phone set in Habiganj. A woman was tied to an metal pole and beaten up on charges of theft in Pabna's Ishwardi. On August 22, three teenagers were tied up and beaten up on suspicion of being thieves in Chattogram's Fatikchhari. In that incident Rihan Mohin (15) was killed on the spot. On September 7, a mentally challenged youth named Sajjad Hossain (30) was beaten to death on suspicion of robbery in Siddhirganj upazila of Narayanganj. On October 11, a man named Ashadul Islam (42) was beaten to death during a robbery attempt at Badalgachhi in Naogaon. At that time, the enraged crowd tied his hands and feet and cut the tendons of both his legs. It is a matter of concern that on October 21, an unidentified youth was beaten to death by locals while trying to snatch a mobile phone in Tongi, Gazipur. After the death, the angry crowd poured salt on the man and cheered. On November 14, a teenager named Mohammad Bappi (17) was abducted and beaten to death on suspicion of being a thief in the capital's Jatrabari Ulon area. At that time, the boy was beaten all over his body with a hammer and an SS pipe on the pretext of theft. They struck him on the head with a hammer, then smeared turmeric and salt all over his body. It is concerning that, on the night of 18 December in front of the Jamirdia Dubaliapara Pioneer Knitwears (BD) Limited factory in Bhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh, on a false allegation of making derogatory remarks about Hazrat Muhammad (SA), a garment worker named Dipu Chandra Das (27) was publicly beaten to death, after which an unruly crowd hung the body of the deceased on a tree one kilometer away on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway and burned it by pouring petrol.

4. Harassment and harassment of journalists

At least 539 journalists became victim in at least 318 attacks between January and December 2025. 3 journalists were killed, at least 273 injured, 57 were assaulted, 83 were threatened and 17 journalists were arrested. In addition, 107 journalists have been charged in 34 cases. It is a matter of great shock that on Thursday night,  December 18, after the news of the death of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi spread, the attackers vandalized and looted the offices of the Daily Star at Prothom Alo and Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue in the capital's Karwan Bazar. Later, the two offices were set on fire. At the same time, Nurul Kabir, editor of the Daily New Age and president of the Editors' Council, was harassed by the protesters when he went to the scene of vandalism and arson of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested Shawkat Mahmud, former president of Jatiya Press Club and Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, from Malibagh area of the capital on December 7. On December 14, journalist Anis Alamgir was arrested from a gymnasium in the capital's Dhanmondi area under the Anti-Terrorism Act on charges of conspiracy to disrupt the stability of the state.

In March, a female journalist was gang-raped while covering news in the capital. On August 7, in front of the mosque market at Chandana Chowrasta in Gazipur. A journalist named Asaduzzaman Tuhin (38) was brutally hacked to death by terrorists. Killed Md. Asaduzzaman Tuhin (38) was working as a staff reporter of the daily Pratidin Kagoj in Gazipur. The body of journalist Wahed-uz-Zaman Bulu (60) was recovered from under the Khanjahan Ali Bridge (Rupsha Bridge) in Khulna on September 1. Police said the journalist had injuries on his right arm and face. Bulu has worked with various media outlets including Channel One, Bhorer Kagoj, Bangabani and Dainik Probaho for the last three decades. The body of journalist and columnist Bibhuranjan Sarkar was recovered from the Meghna River in Narayanganj on Friday afternoon. Bibhuranjan Sarkar used to work as a senior assistant editor in the Dainik Ajker Potrika. Additionally, on September 4, the hanging body of a young journalist named Mohammad Amin (23) was recovered from the Jhau forest at the beach behind (west of) Hotel Shaibal of the Tourism Corporation in Cox's Bazar city. He was known to be the Ukhiya Upazila representative of the Dhaka-based Dainik Amar Praner Bangladesh.

On October 3, a journalist named ASM Hayat Uddin (43) was hacked to death by miscreants in Harikhali area of Bagerhat town. Hayat Uddin was working as a staff reporter of the daily Bhorer Chetona, published from Dhaka. On October 19, the hanging body of a journalist named Swarnamoyee Biswas was recovered from a house in the capital. The woman was working as a graphic designer at Dhaka Stream, It is known from social media that she was among those who filed written sexual harassment complaints against Altaf Shahnewaz, the Bengali content editor of Dhaka Stream.  On December 18, a journalist named Imdadul Haque Milon (45) was shot dead by miscreants at Shalua Bazar in Dumuria upazila of Khulna. He used to work in an online portal named Khulnar Bortoman Somoy and was the secretary of the Aranghata Press Club.

5. Freedom of Expression

In 2025, freedom of expression has been restricted in the country under various sections of the Cyber Security Act, 2023, and the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025, and over allegations of hurting and insulting religious sentiments. According to the information received, a total of 54 people were accused in at least 27 cases during that period, of which 24 were arrested by the law enforcers. Most of these cases are based on posts, comments, photos or videos posted on social media that are alleged to hurt religious beliefs, ideologies, or the sentiments of individuals. In many cases, the language of the complaint is vague and widely interpreted, leading to fears of misuse of the law and harassment of critical or dissenting individuals, writers, online activists and ordinary citizens. HRSS believes that if the application of these laws does not ensure respect for the constitutional right to proper inquiry and expression, it could further curtail individual freedom, digital rights and democratic space.

6. Extrajudicial killings (death in custody/torture/shooting/gunfight)

According to reports published in various media outlets of the country, the victim's family and the information collected by the HRSS, at least 40 people were killed in 2025 in clashes, custody and torture with law enforcers. Of them, six were killed in clashes or alleged gunfights, 12 in torture, 12 in law enforcement custody and 10 in gunfights. Among the deceased, 3 were women, 4 BNP members and 1 Awami League member. In addition, 10 people died while trying to flee from law enforcement out of fear or due to illness.

On January 2, an unidentified UPDF member was killed in a so-called gunfight with law enforcement agencies at Kitchingchari in Kattali Beel area of Sadar Union ward No. 1 of Langadu upazila of Rangamati. A CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver named Yasin Mia was allegedly beaten to death by police in Katiadi upazila of Kishoreganj on January 06. Abdur Rahman (34), former assistant general secretary of Sonapur union unit of Chhatra Dal, died at a hospital in Noakhali on Saturday morning. Cumilla Adarsh Sadar Upazila's Panchthubi Union Jubo Dal convener Md. Shafiqul Islam has been arrested for inhuman torture after being detained by the joint forces at his house late on January 31. The deceased was identified as Towhidul Islam (40).  Two youths, Miraj Hossain and Md Jummon, were killed in a 'gunfight' during a joint operation in the capital's Mohammadpur area on the night of February 20. A youth named Siam Molla (18) was shot dead and a 17-year-old boy was seriously injured in the abdomen during an anti-narcotics operation at Baherghat village in Wazirpur and Agailjhara upazilas of Barishal on Monday. The two casualties are maternal cousins.. 

On July 16, 2025, five people were killed in a clash between local Awami League and banned Chhatra League leaders and activists in Gopalganj during the NCP's 'July Padajatra' programme. The deceased were identified as Dipto Saha (25), Ramzan Kazi (18), Sohel Molla (35), Emon (24) and Ramzan Munshi (28). On September 02, a clash broke out between the army and police at the Uttara Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Nilphamari. The deceased was identified as Habib (20). On  September  28, the army clashed with the protesters under the banner of 'Jumma-Chhatra Janata' in Guimara area of Khagrachhari  district to protest the alleged gang rape of a hill girl. At this time, 3 tribal people were killed in the shooting.  On October 22,  a young man named Almas Uddin (23) was shot dead by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in Jaintapur upazila of Sylhet. Moktar Hossain (40), who was arrested in connection with the murder of Jubo Dal leader Golam Kibria at Pallabi in the capital on November 21, died in Detective Branch (DB) custody. The family of the deceased alleged that he died due to police torture.

7. Death in custody

At least 92 inmates died in prisons across the country in 2025. Of these 92, 30 are sentence serving and 62 are under trial. Among them, eight Awami League leaders—identified as Aktar Sikdar, Siddiq Hossain, Riazul Islam alias Raijul, Imam Hossain alias Bachchu, Babul Hossain (Babul Member), Sarwar Hossain Nannu (65), Yusuf Ali Mia (70), and Ahmad Mostafa Khan Bachchu (83)—died while undergoing treatment in Khulna, Naogaon, Sunamganj, Comilla, Manikganj, Munshiganj, and Sirajganj jails. Additionally, on September 29, the former Industries Minister and former Member of Parliament for the Narsingdi-4 constituency, Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, passed away at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. He was held in custody at the Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj.

On October 13, an undertrial prisoner named Abul Kalam (34) died in Chittagong Central Jail. Although the Senior Jail Superintendent of Chittagong Central Jail, Iqbal Hossain, stated that the prisoner died due to illness, the victim's family alleged that he was murdered in a planned manner. Furthermore, on November 29, the Managing Director (MD) of Hallmark Group, Tanvir Mahmud, passed away. He died at around 10:30 PM on Saturday (November 29) while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).

8. Persecution of religious minorities

It is worrisome that in 2025, at least 28 attacks on minority communities resulted in 1 death, 16 injuries, 6 temples, 37 idols and 38 houses being attacked and vandalised. There have also been 5 incidents of land grabbing.

On May 22, 18 houses belonging to 13 families of the Matua community were set ablaze by vandalism, and looting on suspicion of killing Noapara Municipality Krishak Dal president SM Tariqul Islam. On June 14, a meeting of Hindu and Indegenous Sanatani communities was disrupted by an attack by a local BNP leader at the traditional Kheturi Dham in Godagari upazila of Rajshahi. Govind Chandra Pal, the manager of Kheturi Dham, and Sahdev Kumar Panna, a member of the Hindu Adivasi Sanatan, were beaten up and driven out of the temple. It is a matter of concern that on July 26 and 27, after the arrest of a juvenile on charges of blasphemy in Aldadpur Balapara village of Betgari union of Gangachara upazila of Rangpur district, a mob organised and brutally attacked at least 20 houses of the minority Hindu community. The attacks have led to vandalism, looting and forcing many families to flee the area.  At least 10 people were injured in a sudden attack by a group of miscreants at Shardiya Durga Puja mandap in Khurshimul village of Mohanganj upazila of Netrokona on October 2nd. In addition, 3 people were stabbed at Bandhu Sangha Shyama Puja Mandap in Bara Kalibari area of Mymensingh city. On December 3, a minority person named Sudhir Chandra Barman was picked up in the dark of night in Thakurgaon and subjected to electric shocks, beaten, forced signatures on blank stamps (legal papers) and snatched money. The accused threatened to burn Sudhir Chandra Barman and his family to death. On December 7, a serious incident of land grabbing and grabbing took place at the historic Sri Sri Radha Gobinda Jeur Akhra at Zindabazar in Sylhet city.

9. Attacks on shrines and Bauls

It is a matter of great concern that more than 56 shrines have been attacked, vandalised and looted across the country during this period. On September 5, miscreants attacked the grave, house and Darbar Sharif of Nurul Haque alias 'Nurul Pagla' at Goalanda in Rajbari and dug up  his body from the grave and burnt it at the Padma intersection area of the highway. More than half a hundred people were injured in the incident and one of the injured died while undergoing treatment. The shrine of Kafil Uddin Shah, the shrine of Abdu Shah, the shrine of Kalai (Kalu) Shah and the shrine of Hawali Shah were attacked and vandalized at Asadpur village in Homna upazila of Comilla. There have been multiple attacks in many places, and shrines have been demolished. According to various media reports, on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at around 11.00 am, followers and fans of Baul artist Abul Sarkar were holding a program in the Manikganj District Stadium area demanding his release. During this time, amid a counter-program under the banner of "Ulama-Mashayekh and Tawhidi Janata of all levels of Manikganj District," at least 10 people were injured in a sudden attack on Bauls. Many of the Baul fans were even forced to jump into the puddle adjacent to the stadium to save their lives. On December 27, miscreants vandalised an ancient shrine at Gauripur in Mymensingh and sprinkled cow dung and excrement. On the same day, four shrines, including the shrine of Sattapir, were attacked and vandalised in Thakurgaon in the dark of night.

10. Killings and torture at the border

In 2025, at least 32 Bangladeshis were killed, 39 injured, and 63 arrested, including at least 30 bullets hit by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) in at least 80 attacks along the India-Bangladesh border. At least 7 Bangladeshis have been killed in firing and attacks by Indian nationals in the border areas. The BSF has pushed at least 3493 people to Bangladesh through different border areas of the country. In November last year, the Indian Coast Guard had apprehended 143 fishermen from the Bay of Bengal near Indian waters.

The deceased were identified as Shahed Ahmed (25), Jamal Uddin (45), Ashikur (19) and Md Yakub Uddin (30).  A Bangladeshi youth was hacked to death by Indian nationals at Kulaura border in Moulvibazar. The bodies of a young man named Nazimuddin were recovered from the Darshana border in Damurhuda upazila of Chuadanga and a youth named Kazi Chhabi was recovered from the banks of the Gomti river on the Cumilla border. . On December 2, an incident occurred where BSF beat two Bangladeshis named Ibrahim Rinku (28) and Momin Mia (29) to death at the Wahedpur border of Shibganj Upazila, Chapainawabganj, and threw their bodies into the Padma River.

On the other hand, 2 people were injured in a firing by the Arakan Army along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border at Naikhongchhari border in Bandarban. Bullets and mortar shells fired from Myanmar frequently land in Bangladeshi border areas, creating panic among locals. Besides, 12 Bangladeshis, including an Ansar member, were injured and one killed in a landmine blast planted by the Arakan Army on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.  At least 176 fishermen, including 21 trawlers, have been captured by the Arakan Army from the Naf river and territorial waters of the Bay of Bengal on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.  On October 11, BGB chief Naik Akhter Hossain lost his right ankle in a mine blast while on routine patrol in the area adjacent to no-man's land near Pillar 40 of Ghumphari border in Naikhongchhari upazila of Naikhongchhari upazila on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. His left leg was severely injured. Later, he died on Friday (October 31) afternoon while undergoing treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka.  Additionally, a woman named Chenuara Begum (35) was seriously injured in Huaikyang, Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, by gunfire coming from Rakhine State, Myanmar.

11. Violence against women and children

In 2025, at least 2,047 women and female children fell victim to violence. Of these, at least 828 were raped, of which 474 (57%) were children under the age of 18. It is a matter of grave concern that 179 (21%) women and girls have been gang-raped; 28 have been killed after rape, and 10 have committed suicide. As many as 414 women and girls were sexually assaulted, of which 236 were children. It is a very tragic incident that in March last year, an eight-year-old girl named Asia was victims of an attempted murder after being raped by her sister's father-in-law; the child died 8 days later (March 13) while undergoing treatment at the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka. Furthermore, in Sirajdikhan, Munshiganj, a child named Fatema (6) was strangled to death after a failed rape attempt, and her body was thrown into a large pond. On June 29, in a village in Muradnagar, Comilla, a woman (25) was raped after the door of her house was broken down, and on June 30, in Tajumuddin Upazila, Bhola, after failing to get extortion money, a husband was tied up and beaten while his wife was subjected to gang rape.

During this period, at least 35 people were killed, 32 injured and 4 women committed suicide due to dowry-related violence. At least 383 people have been killed, 133 injured and at least 194 women have committed suicide due to domestic violence. 2 people were killed and 2 others were injured in acid attacks. On September 9, A man named Toha (25) poured acid on his wife's body at Baishari in Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban. Toha's wife Jasmine Akhter (22) died on Friday evening, September 12, after fighting for her life for three days.

On the other hand, at least 1371 children were abused during this period, of which 288 lost their lives and 1083 children were subjected to physical and mental abuse.

12. Cases and Arrests

At least 244 cases were filed against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Awami League leaders and activists of other parties in 2025. In these cases, 11935 people have been named and 42523 were made unidentified accused. During this period, more than 50,000 people, most of whom are leaders and activists of Awami League, Jubo League, Swechchhasebak League and banned Chhatra League, have been arrested in various cases and special operations by the joint forces. Police have also arrested at least 47 members of the banned Hizb ut-Tahrir group in the past year.

13. Right to Assemble

The year 2025 saw a number of incidents of interference by law enforcement agencies in the exercise of the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in the country. According to the information received, at least 47 meetings and rallies were directly or indirectly obstructed by the law enforcement agencies during that time, forcing the organizers to postpone, disperse or cancel the scheduled programs. In many of these incidents, there were allegations of denial of permission, last-minute cancellation orders, setting up of barricades, baton charges, tear gas and use of force. On August 28, a group of individuals besieged and assaulted former Minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui and Dhaka University Professor Sheikh Hafizur Rahman (Karzon) at a discussion meeting of the Dhaka Reporters' Unity. Later, a team of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested at least 15 people, including Latif Siddiqui, Professor Sheikh Hafizur Rahman and journalist Manjurul Alam.

Such interventions led to clashes and chaotic situations, and at least 512 people were injured, including political activists, students, workers and ordinary pedestrians. Many of the injured injured had to receive treatment in hospitals, and in some cases, serious injuries were also reported. Furthermore, at least 36 people were arrested from the sites of assembly and rallies, against whom cases were reportedly filed under various charges. These incidents indicate violations of the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and association and highlight the need for proportionality, accountability, and adherence to human rights standards in the performance of duties by law enforcement.

14. Workers' rights

It is worrisome that at least 96 people were killed and at least 1,021 were injured in at least 359 incidents in 2025. In March, at least 75 workers were injured in clashes between police and workers of various garment factories who were protesting for payment of arrears and Eid bonuses. In June, more than half a hundred workers were injured in clashes between police and workers following the death of a labourer in Sreepur upazila of Gazipur. On September 2, a worker was killed and at least 10 others injured in a clash between army and police at Uttara Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Nilphamari. It is a matter of concern that on the night of December 18, a garment worker named Dipu Chandra Das (27) was beaten to death in front of the factory of Pioneer Knitwear (BD) Limited at Jamirdia Dubaliapara in Bhaluka upazila of Mymensingh. They hung it from a tree on the Mymensingh highway and set on fire with petrol.

At least 168 workers have lost their lives in accidents due to unhygienic environment and lack of protective equipment. At least 16 people were killed in a fire that broke out at a chemical warehouse and a garment factory in the capital's Shialbari area of Mirpur on October 14.

Furthermore, 4 domestic workers were killed and 8 were seriously injured due to torture by employers. Mohsin Khan Bashar, a resident of Nabagram Jubok Housing in Ward 23 of Barishal city, and his cousin Shahin alias Jhinuk repeatedly raped a child domestic worker at different times. When the victim became pregnant as a result of the abuse, they threatened the victim's family to cover up the matter.

Establishing the rule of law, strengthening democratic processes, and protecting human rights requires coordinated initiatives at all levels of the state and society. It is urgent to create an inclusive environment through constructive dialogue with political parties, civil society, journalists, human rights organizations, and conscious citizens to strengthen the law and order situation and effectively ensure people's basic and constitutional rights. If issues such as recent mob violence, deaths in custody, political tension, electoral violence, and interference with freedom of expression are not addressed, the human rights situation may deteriorate further. Therefore, "HRSS" calls upon the government to take more accountable and responsible steps to protect human rights and simultaneously requests all citizens, media workers, civil society, and human rights organizations to play a more vocal and active role.