Human Rights Violence During Elections in Bangladesh-2024

The 12^th National Parliament and 6^th Upazila Parishad elections were held in January 2024 amid a boycott by opposition parties and a reluctance from citizens to vote. These elections set a record for low voter turnout in Bangladesh’s history. Furthermore, irregularities were widespread, with various types of electoral malpractice taking place. It is concerning that, in 2024, at least 781 incidents of electoral violence occurred, resulting in the deaths of at least 43 people, injuries to at least 2,538 individuals, and the destruction and looting of at least 820 homes and businesses. Of the 43 fatalities, 39 were from the ruling Awami League, including party leaders, activists, and supporters.

Since the announcement of the election schedule on November 15, 2023, violence, including clashes, murders, vandalism, arson, and looting, was reported in nearly every district across the country. During this period, at least 752 incidents of electoral violence led to 17 deaths, over 2,500 injuries, and the wounding of more than 100 people by gunfire. More than 450 homes and businesses were attacked, looted, or set on fire, and over 100 vehicles were damaged or burned. In January alone, 12 people were killed, 11 of whom were supporters, leaders, and activists of the ruling Awami League.

From the announcement of the election schedule until January 6, the day before the election, violent incidents were reported in at least 379 incidents across various districts, resulting in the deaths of 7 people and injuries to at least 1,681 others. More than 20 people were shot, and over 50 homes and businesses were looted, burned, or vandalized. Additionally, over 40 election centres were attacked and set on fire.

On January 7, election day, violence erupted in Munshiganj, Barguna, and Comilla, resulting in 3 deaths and over 150 injuries, including 16 gunshot wounds. Candidates, polling agents, and presiding officers at various polling stations were also attacked. On the same day, over 30 journalists were assaulted, harassed, or threatened while carrying out their professional duties. Various polling stations also witnessed ballot box thefts, vandalism, and arson.

Post National Parliament Election Violence:

After the 12^th National Parliament elections, clashes, conflicts, murders, and vandalism were reported in nearly every district of the country. At least 561 incidents of violence occurred across the nation, leading to the deaths of 17 individuals, injuries to 1,496 people, with over 60 people suffering gunshot wounds. Additionally, at least 437 homes and businesses were looted and vandalized. Citizens who had abstained from voting, as well as those who voted, faced attacks, particularly in the homes of voters. Both the candidates, supporters, and workers of the defeated and victorious political parties, as well as members of the minority communities, such as the Hindu and Bedouin communities, were targeted.

In places like Jhenaidah's Porahati (at least 50 persons), Madaripur's Kalkini and Koyyakudi (100 persons), Munshiganj's Gojaria (30 persons), and Sirajganj's Belkuchi (over 20 persons) injured, attacks on homes, shops, and businesses were reported, including looting, arson, and other extensive damages. These incidents involved physical violence, theft of cash, gold, livestock, and household goods. Other areas affected by similar violence include Sunamganj's Dowarabazar, Manikganj's Singair and Harirampur, Pirojpur's Indurkani, and many other locations such as Gazipur, Gaidanda, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Noakhali.

Violence Against Minority Communities Following the 12^th National Election:

At least 12 districts saw violence against minority communities, involving attacks, harassment, threats, house and business vandalism, looting, and blockades. The primary reasons for these attacks were either voting for or against a specific political party, or supporting a certain candidate.

In Madaripur’s Kalkini, at least 20 houses belonging to the Bede community were attacked, looted, and vandalized. In Sirajganj's Enayetpur, violence occurred after local Awami League workers and supporters targeted a minority community for voting for the "Eagle" symbol, leading to the destruction of idols and homes, and the theft of livestock. In Chapainawabganj-1, at least 6 Hindu homes were vandalized in Tanti Para. In Kushtia's Kumarkhali, at least 50 Hindu families were held captive for over 7 days. In Thakurgaon-1, two individuals, Roshni Roy and Joydeb Barman, were attacked after voting. In Daudkandi, Comilla, supporters of the Eagle symbol attacked two individuals, Piplu Saha and Ranjan Saha, with machetes.

In Faridpur-3, after supporting independent candidate A.K. Azad, violence erupted against the minority community in Majhipara, where 15 people were injured. In Gaidanda-5, attacks on four Hindu homes led to the theft of nearly 5 lakh Taka and livestock. Most of those involved in these attacks and violations were connected to the political party in power at the time.

Violence During the 6th Upazila Parishad Election:

In the six months following the 12^th National Parliament election, several phases of the 6th Upazila Parishad elections led to widespread violence across the country. At least 203 incidents of violence were reported, resulting in the deaths of 17 individuals and injuries to at least 1,004 people. Over 20 people were shot, and more than 350 homes and businesses were looted, burned, or vandalized. This period of violence also saw severe clashes between various political groups, leading to significant damage to properties and an alarming number of casualties.