Human Rights Monitoring Report

The Human Rights Situation in Bangladesh 2025

In 2025, the people of Bangladesh have witnessed several important things. The interim government, which took over as a result of the 2024 mass uprising, set up six reform commissions and later the consensus commission. Those who held meetings with the political parties for a long time 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 inaction 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. The interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who was formed in August 2024 through a mass uprising that cost the lives of thousands of students, has been expected to improve the human rights situation.

A review of the 2025 Situation of Human Rights shows that political violence, mob violence, mob 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 jail, attacks on workers, obstruction of meetings and rallies 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 in the minds of the people. On February 5, 6 and 7, angry students attacked, vandalised and set 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.  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 different educational institutions of the country have created panic in the minds of the students. Public misery has been created by blocking roads in the capital to meet various demands. Attacks on political leaders and activists at courts and prison gates; There have been several incidents of political involvement in attacks on police stations and police, where there are allegations of involvement of political leaders and activists. There have been allegations of irregularities in the special operation called 'Operation Devil Hunt' in coordination with the joint forces to combat terrorism in the country, improve the law and order situation and bring the terrorists under the law. Besides, the BSF pushing Bangla-speaking people through different Indian borders, killing, injuring and arresting innocent Bangladeshis, detaining Bangladeshi ships and fishermen by Myanmar's Arakan Army, firing, mines and mortar shells on the border have raised concerns about the human rights situation.

On July 16, 2025, five people were killed and hundreds injured in clashes between local Awami League and banned Chhatra League leaders and activists in Gopalganj during the NCP's 'July Padayatra' programme. After the arrest of a teenager on charges of blasphemy in Rangpur, a mob organised and brutally attacked at least 20 houses belonging to the minority Hindu community. The manner in which businessman Md Sohag was brutally beaten, hacked and brutally beaten to death in front of Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital (Midford) in Old Dhaka on July 9, 2025 is very 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 children.

On August 15, several people were harassed and beaten up while paying homage at 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 Jatiya Party in front of the party's Kakrail Bijoynagar office in the capital on August 29. The Jatiya Party's central office at Kakrail in the capital was vandalised and set on fire on August 30. Jatiya Party offices were also attacked, vandalised and set on fire in some districts of the country. In September last  year, three hill men were killed in a violent incident in Guimara area of Khagrachhari district, attacks on law  enforcers and burnt down hundreds of houses and  shops in Ramesu Bazar.  Besides, female candidates from DUCSU, JAKSU, Chaksu, JnAKSU and RUCSU elections have been subjected to horrific bullying on social media.

It is a tragic incident that on December 12, Inquilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was seriously injured when terrorists 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 possible candidate in the upcoming election in Dhaka-8 constituency  . It is a matter of great concern that on Thursday night, December  18, after the news of the death of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi spread, the organized attackers vandalized and looted the offices of the Daily Star at Prothom Alo and Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue in the capital's Karwan Bazar and set it on fire. At the same time, they vandalized and looted the offices of Chhayanaut and Udichi cultural institutions. 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 it on fire 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.

The Human Rights Monitoring Report 2025, based on news published in 15 national newspapers in Bangladesh and data collected by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), reveals the following:

1. Political violence

At least 133 people were killed and at least 7,511 injured in at least 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 associates, 802 people were injured and 19 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 parliamentary election, clashes, attacks, vandalism and arson have taken place between the candidates of different parties and the deprived activists. Besides, processions, protest rallies, hartals,  highway blockades,  tyre burning demonstrations, 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 Inquilab Manch, died in a hospital in Singapore after a week-long life-and-death battle. He was seriously injured when terrorists 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 worrisome that at least 168 people were killed and at least 248 injured in at least 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, two Jamaat-e-Islami activists were beaten to death in Chattogram's Aocchia union on the night of March 3 and seven robbers were lynched in Shariatpur on the night of February 28, where 5 died and 2 got 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 iron 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. 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 angry mob tied his hands and legs and cut the veins 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 hit him on the head with a hammer, then rubbed turmeric and salt all over his body. 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 it on fire with 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 Provo 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 daily Ajker. On September 4, the body of a young journalist named Mohammad Amin (23) was found hanging from the beach behind Hotel Shaibal of Cox's Bazar city. He is the Ukhiya upazila correspondent of the daily Amar Praner Bangladesh, published from Dhaka.

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 Chetna, published from Dhaka. On October 19, the hanging body of a journalist named Swarnamoyi Biswas was recovered from a house in the capital. The woman was working as a graphic designer at Dhaka Stream, an online news outlet. Altaf Shahnawaz, the Bengali content editor of Dhaka Stream, was among those who complained of sexual harassment in writing.   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 Present Somoy.com in Khulna 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 allege that 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 fleeing from the fear of law enforcers.

  On January 2, an unidentified UPDF member was killed in a reported gunfight with law enforcers at Kitchingchara in Kattali Beel area of Sadar Union 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 from 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 victims are 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 Padayatra' 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. In this time, 3 mountaineers 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 belonging to 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 Adivasi 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 thrown 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 terrorizing 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 02. In addition, 3 people were stabbed at Bandhu Sangha Shyama Puja Mandap in Bara Kalibari area of Mymensingh city. On December 3, a man named Sudhir Chandra Barman was picked up in the dark of night in Thakurgaon and electrocuted, beaten, forcibly signed white stamps 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 Akhara 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 took his body from the grave and burnt it to 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, his fans and followers were holding a program in the Manikganj District Stadium area demanding the release of Baul artist Abul Sarkar. At least 10 people were injured in a counter-attack on them under the banner of 'All Levels of Alem-Ulema and Tawhidi Janata' of Manikganj district. 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 Satyapir, 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. Ibrahim Rinku (28) and Momin Mia (29) were beaten to death by the Border Security Force (BSF) at Wahedpur border in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj on December 2.

On the other hand, 2 people were injured in firing by the Arakan Army along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border at Naikhongchhari border in Bandarban. Often bullets and mortar shells from Myanmar landed in the border areas of Bangladesh, causing panic among the 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 Bay of Bengal waters 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 seriously injured. Later, he succumbed to his injuries at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka on Friday (October 31).  Besides, a 35-year-old woman named Chenuara Begum was seriously injured in the firing from Myanmar's Rakhine state.

11. Violence against women and children

In 2025, at least 2,047 women and girls were victims of child abuse. 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 and 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 sad incident that in March last year, an eight-year-old girl named Asiya was raped and almost killed by her sister's father-in-law in Magura and the child died eight days later (March 13) while undergoing treatment at the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka. In Munshiganj, a 6-year-old girl named Fatema was strangled to death after a rape attempt in Sirajdikhan upazila of Munshiganj. On June 29, a 25-year-old woman was raped after breaking the door of her house in a village in Muradnagar upazila of Comilla and on June 30, her husband was tied up and beaten up and his wife was gang-raped in Tajumuddin upazila of Bhola.

During this period, at least 35 people were killed, 32 injured and 4 women committed suicide in dowry torture. 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 on September 12 after battling with 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 have been named as unknown 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 instances 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, lathicharge, tear gas and force. On August 28, a group of people barricaded former minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui and Dhaka University professor Sheikh Hafizur Rahman (Curzon) from a discussion meeting of the Dhaka Reporters Unit. 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 had to be treated in hospitals, and in some cases, serious injuries were also reported. At least 36 people were also arrested from the venue of the rally and rally, against whom cases have been filed on various charges. These incidents indicate a violation of the constitutional rights of peaceful assembly and organization and underscore the need for proportionality, accountability and adherence to human rights standards in the discharge of the duties of law enforcement agencies.

14. Workers' rights

It is worrisome that at least 96 people were killed and at least 1,021 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 of salaries 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 it on fire with petrol.

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

In addition, 4 domestic workers were killed and 8 others were seriously injured. Mohsin Khan Bashar, a resident of Nabagram Jubo Housing in Ward No. 23 of Barishal city, and his cousin Shahin alias Jhinuk raped a child multiple times on different occasions. When the victim became pregnant, they threatened the victim's family to cover up the matter.