Executive Summary

The human rights situation in Bangladesh during 2025 remained deeply concerning despite several reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government formed following the mass uprising of August 2024. The government, led by Nobel Laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, initiated a number of institutional reform measures aimed at democratic reconstruction, strengthening judicial independence, and improving accountability. These included the establishment of six reform commissions, the formation of a National Consensus Commission, and the preparation of the “July Charter” through consultations with political parties and civil society stakeholders. The government also announced the schedule for the 13th Parliamentary Election to be held on 12 February 2026 alongside a referendum on the July Charter.

Important legal and institutional steps were taken during the year, including initiatives related to judicial independence, human rights protection, prevention of enforced disappearances, and police reform. Ordinances were issued to establish a separate judiciary secretariat, reform the Human Rights Commission, and implement recommendations made by the Police Reform Commission. These measures generated public expectations for meaningful democratic transition and improved human rights protections.

However, despite these reform efforts, the overall human rights situation in Bangladesh in 2025 remained fragile and, in many respects, deteriorated further. Persistent political polarization, weak law enforcement responses, inadequate institutional accountability, and increasing intolerance contributed to widespread insecurity and human rights violations across the country. Many longstanding patterns of abuse continued, while several new forms of violence and instability emerged.

Throughout the year, Bangladesh experienced significant political unrest, rising mob violence, public lynching incidents, attacks on minorities and religious institutions, restrictions on freedom of expression, violence against women and children, custodial deaths, attacks on journalists, and increasing election-related tensions. Criminal activities including extortion, robbery, theft, and violent attacks also contributed to widespread public fear and insecurity.

One of the most notable developments of the year occurred in February, when protests and violent attacks targeted the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi 32, Sudha Sadan, and properties associated with leaders of the Awami League following announcements of virtual political programs involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On 12 May 2025, the interim government officially banned the activities of the Awami League and its affiliated, associate, and like-minded organizations following their removal from power in August 2024.

Political instability continued throughout the year, particularly within educational institutions and urban areas. Clashes between rival student organizations created insecurity on university campuses, while frequent road blockades and demonstrations in the capital caused severe public suffering. There were also several incidents involving attacks on political leaders and activists near court premises and prison gates, as well as attempts to forcibly free accused individuals through attacks on police stations and law enforcement personnel.

Concerns were also raised regarding the conduct of joint force operations, including “Operation Devil Hunt,” launched to combat terrorism and maintain law and order. Allegations of irregularities, arbitrary actions, and excessive force emerged in relation to these operations.

Border-related human rights concerns intensified during the year. Incidents involving the Indian Border Security Force (BSF), including killings, injuries, arrests, and the push-in of Bengali-speaking individuals across the border, remained a serious issue. Along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, attacks involving the Arakan Army, including shootings, landmine explosions, and the detention of Bangladeshi fishermen and vessels, heightened insecurity in border communities.

Several major violent incidents significantly shaped the national human rights landscape in 2025. On 16 July, clashes and shootings surrounding the National Citizen Party’s “July Padajatra” program in Gopalganj resulted in at least five deaths and more than one hundred injuries. In Rangpur, violent attacks were carried out against members of the Hindu minority community following allegations of blasphemy against a teenager. On 9 July, businessman Md. Sohag was publicly beaten and hacked to death outside Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital in Old Dhaka in an incident widely condemned for its brutality.

Another tragic event occurred on 21 July, when a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed into Milestone School and College in Uttara, Dhaka, killing at least 37 people, including the pilot, and injuring more than 150 others, many of them children.

Political violence continued in the second half of the year. On 15 August, several individuals were reportedly harassed and assaulted while paying tribute at Dhanmondi 32. On 29 August, clashes between the Jatiya Party and Gono Odhikar Parishad in Dhaka left several leaders and activists seriously injured, including former DUCSU Vice-President Nurul Haque Nur. Subsequent retaliatory attacks included vandalism and arson targeting the Jatiya Party’s central office and district-level offices.

In September, serious communal violence erupted in Guimara of Khagrachhari district, resulting in the deaths of three indigenous hill residents, attacks on law enforcement personnel, and the destruction of numerous homes and businesses. Female candidates participating in student union elections at several universities also reportedly faced coordinated harassment and bullying on social media platforms.

A particularly alarming incident occurred in December when Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was shot in the head in Dhaka and later died during treatment abroad. Following reports of his death, organized attacks targeted the offices of major media outlets, including Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, as well as cultural institutions such as Chhayanaut and Udichi. During the same period, garment worker Dipu Chandra Das was brutally killed in Mymensingh after allegations of making derogatory remarks about religion, highlighting the increasing prevalence of mob violence and religious extremism.

Ahead of the 2026 parliamentary election, political tensions escalated significantly. Reports indicated growing levels of intimidation, internal party conflict, violent confrontations among rival political groups, and election-centered violence. Competition over party nominations, political dominance, extortion, and territorial control contributed to rising instability.

Based on reports published in 15 national newspapers and information collected by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), the following findings present an overview of the human rights situation in Bangladesh during 2025.

Political violence remained a major concern throughout the year. HRSS documented at least 914 incidents of political violence, resulting in the deaths of 133 people and injuries to at least 7,511 others. Most incidents were linked to political dominance, retaliation, disputes over party committees, election-centered conflicts, extortion, and occupation of establishments. A significant proportion of the violence involved clashes within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and between BNP and rival political groups. Of the total incidents, approximately 84 percent were related either to internal BNP disputes or conflicts between BNP and other parties.

Among the fatalities, 93 victims were affiliated with BNP, 23 with the Awami League, and 3 with Jamaat. Members of other political groups, including the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), were also among those killed. In addition, HRSS documented 169 separate incidents involving attacks on political leaders and activists by terrorists and unidentified assailants, resulting in at least 108 deaths and 189 injuries. More than 250 people sustained gunshot injuries during the year, while numerous houses, businesses, vehicles, and political offices were vandalized, looted, or set on fire.

As the country approached the 13th National Parliamentary Election, political tensions increased significantly. Election-centered clashes, attacks among rival nomination seekers, vandalism, arson, road blockades, and protest demonstrations created instability in several regions. Between October and December alone, at least 54 incidents of election-related violence were recorded, resulting in 3 deaths and nearly 500 injuries.

Mob violence and public lynching emerged as one of the most alarming human rights concerns of the year. HRSS documented at least 292 incidents of mob violence, in which 168 people were killed and 248 injured. Many incidents were linked to allegations of theft, blasphemy, personal disputes, or political affiliation, reflecting a growing culture of vigilante violence and weak accountability.

Freedom of the press and the safety of journalists remained under serious threat. Between January and December 2025, at least 539 journalists became victims of violence, intimidation, harassment, or legal action in 318 incidents. Three journalists were killed, 273 injured, 57 assaulted, 83 threatened, and 17 arrested. Additionally, 107 journalists were accused in 34 separate cases. A particularly concerning incident occurred on 18 December, when organized attackers vandalized, looted, and later set fire to the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star in Dhaka following reports of the death of political figure Sharif Osman Bin Hadi.

Freedom of expression also remained restricted under the Cyber Security Act 2023 and the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025. HRSS documented at least 27 cases filed against 54 individuals for allegedly hurting religious sentiments or insulting religious beliefs through online content. At least 24 individuals were arrested in connection with these cases.

Human rights violations involving law enforcement agencies remained a serious concern. According to HRSS findings, at least 40 people died in incidents involving law enforcement agencies, including custodial deaths, torture, clashes, and alleged gunfights. Among the victims were three women and members of major political parties. In addition, at least 92 inmates died in prisons across the country, including both convicted prisoners and undertrial detainees.

Religious and ethnic minority communities continued to face violence and intimidation. HRSS documented at least 28 incidents targeting minority communities, resulting in one death and injuries to 16 individuals. These incidents included attacks on temples, idols, homes, and allegations of land grabbing. More than 56 shrines across the country were reportedly attacked, vandalized, or looted during the year.

Border-related human rights violations also remained a major concern. Along the Bangladesh-India border, at least 32 Bangladeshis were reportedly killed, 39 injured, and 63 arrested in incidents involving the Indian Border Security Force (BSF). HRSS also documented the push-in of at least 3,493 individuals into Bangladesh through different border points. In addition, Bangladeshi fishermen were detained by the Indian Coast Guard in the Bay of Bengal.

Security concerns along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border also intensified due to activities involving the Arakan Army. Reports indicated incidents of shootings, mortar shell explosions, landmine blasts, and the detention of Bangladeshi fishermen and fishing trawlers in bordering areas, creating fear and insecurity among local communities.

Violence against women and children remained widespread and deeply concerning. HRSS documented at least 2,047 incidents involving violence against women and girls during 2025. Among them, at least 828 women and girls were victims of rape, including 474 children under the age of 18. At least 179 victims were subjected to gang rape, while 28 were killed after rape and 10 died by suicide following sexual violence. In addition, 414 women and girls experienced sexual harassment or assault.

Dowry-related violence and domestic abuse also continued at alarming levels. At least 35 people were killed and 32 injured due to dowry-related violence, while several women died by suicide as a result of abuse. Domestic violence reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 383 people and injuries to 133 others. Acid attacks also continued, causing deaths and injuries.

Children remained highly vulnerable to violence and abuse. HRSS documented at least 1,371 incidents involving child abuse, in which 288 children lost their lives and more than 1,000 were subjected to physical or psychological violence.

Political and legal actions against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and leaders and activists of the Awami League continued throughout the year. HRSS documented at least 244 cases filed against Sheikh Hasina and political leaders and activists from various parties. More than 50,000 individuals, most of them affiliated with the Awami League and its associated organizations, were reportedly arrested during joint force operations. Law enforcement agencies also arrested members of the banned Hizb ut-Tahrir organization during the year.

The right to peaceful assembly also faced repeated restrictions. HRSS documented at least 47 incidents in which meetings, rallies, or public gatherings were obstructed directly or indirectly by law enforcement agencies, resulting in clashes, injuries, arrests, and cancellation of scheduled programs. At least 512 individuals, including political activists, students, workers, and pedestrians, were injured during such incidents.

Labour rights and workplace safety remained critical concerns. HRSS documented at least 359 workplace-related incidents in which 96 workers were killed and more than 1,000 injured. In addition, at least 168 workers reportedly died in workplace accidents caused by unsafe environments and inadequate safety measures. Domestic workers also remained vulnerable to abuse, with several incidents of torture, injury, and death reported during the year.

Overall, the findings indicate that Bangladesh experienced a challenging human rights situation in 2025, characterized by political instability, rising violence, shrinking civic space, and continuing concerns regarding accountability, rule of law, and protection of fundamental freedoms. Strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring impartial law enforcement, protecting vulnerable communities, and promoting accountability remain essential to improving the human rights situation in the country.