Human Rights Violence during July-August

Mass Uprising-2024

Regarding the anti-discrimination student-people movement, information gathered from victims' families, eyewitnesses, hospitals, and national newspapers confirms the deaths of 1,013 individuals so far. Furthermore, based on credible data from media, hospitals, and other sources, it is estimated that the death toll is at least 1,200. Among the deceased are students, laborers, journalists, professionals, law enforcement members, children, women, and supporters or activists of various political parties. At least 136 children and 13 girls or women have lost their lives in the movement. The nationwide uprising has resulted in at least 30,000 injuries. Thousands of students and civilians have lost limbs or eyes, with over 600 people losing vision in one or both eyes. There are allegations of enforced disappearances involving at least 13 coordinators and individuals associated with the movement, as well as numerous cases of unlawful detention. 

In connection to the movement, at least 270 journalists were injured, threatened, arrested, or harassed while carrying out their professional duties, and 6 journalists were killed. From July 17 to August 4, over 950 cases were filed nationwide, accusing more than 600,000 people, with at least 12,000 individuals arrested.  Following Sheikh Hasina's departure from the country, more than 500 police stations, outposts, and government infrastructure were attacked, vandalized, or set on fire. Additionally, at least 1,000 houses, vehicles, and businesses were attacked, vandalized, set on fire, or looted. During this period, at least 65 attacks on minority communities were reported, resulting in injuries to at least 61 individuals. Furthermore, 15 temples, 228 homes, and 240 shops or businesses were vandalized, looted, or set on fire.  

Analysis of the death tolls:

Regarding the anti-discrimination student movement, from sources including the victims' families, eyewitnesses, hospitals, and national dailies, we have so far obtained information on 1,013 deaths. Among these, the names of 914 victims were identified, but 99 remain unknown. Based on additional credible information gathered from the media, hospitals, and other sources, we estimate that the total number of deaths will be at least 1,200. The deceased include students, workers, journalists, professionals, law enforcement members, children, and women, along with the majority of political party leaders, activists, and supporters. Among the victims, at least 136 children, 6 journalists, 51 law enforcement members, and 13 female children and women lost their lives.

Age-based Analysis:

Out of the 1,013 deaths, information on the ages of 816 victims has been obtained. Among the deceased, people from nearly all age groups were included, such as 4-year-old Ahad and 6-year-old Riya. Among the 816 identified victims, 136 (17%) were children under the age of 18, 450 (55%) were young adults, 193 (24%) were middle-aged individuals, and 37 (4%) were elderly. A noteworthy observation is that 72% of the identified victims, whose ages were known, were under the age of 30.

Profession-based Analysis:

Information on the occupations of 700 of the deceased has been obtained. Among them, 279 (40%) were students, 269 (38%) were workers, 51 (4%) were members of law enforcement agencies, 34 (5%) were businesspeople from various sectors, and 67 (10%) were professionals. Notably, students and workers together make up more than 78% of the deceased.

Analysis of the Cause of Death of the Deceased:

Based on the available information, the cause of death for 858 individuals has been identified. Among them, the majority, 671 (78%) died from gunshots, 95 (11%) died from burn injuries, 61 (7%) were beaten to death, and 31 (4%) died due to other causes.

Analysis of the Involved Forces or Groups:

Information on the forces or groups involved in the deaths during the revolution of the mass uprising is available for 675 individuals. According to the data, 510 (76%) were killed in police attacks, 63 (9%) were killed by other law enforcement agencies, 59 (9%) by members of the Awami League, and 43 (6%) were killed in mob beatings. Over 85% of the deaths were caused by police and other law enforcement agencies.

Date and Month-based Analysis of the Victims:

We have gathered information on 1013 deaths from July 16 to December 22. In just 7 days (July 18-20 and August 4-7), 865 people were killed. On the day of Sheikh Hasina's downfall, August 5, at least 309 people were killed. During the period of autocratic rule under Sheikh Hasina, from July 16 to August 5, at least 802 people were killed across the country. From August 6-8, when no government was in power, at least 159 people were killed. After the interim government assumed power, from August 9 to December 22, at least 50 people died, most of whom were previously injured and undergoing treatment.

Table: Death statistics based on Date and Month

Division-based Analysis:

In the division-based analysis, out of the 1013 deaths, 655 occurred in the Dhaka division, 99 in Chattogram, 79 in Khulna, 65 in Rajshahi, 33 in Mymensingh, 40 in Rangpur, 26 in Sylhet, and 11 in Barishal. The highest number of deaths occurred in the Dhaka division with 655, while the lowest number of deaths occurred in the Barishal division with 11.