Staff Reporter :
In a harrowing report released on Thursday, the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) revealed that at least 986 individuals lost their lives during the recent uprising, with a staggering 78% of these fatalities attributed to police violence.
The report highlights a troubling trend in the use of force by law enforcement during civil unrest.The HRSS compiled its findings from a range of sources, including victim families, national newspapers, and its own fact-finding teams. The analysis indicates that information is available for 660 of the recorded killings.
Of these, 518 individuals—approximately 78%—were killed during police actions, while other law enforcement agencies accounted for 52 deaths.
Additionally, 52 victims were reportedly killed by activists from the ruling Awami League, and 38 were victims of mob violence.The report also details the geographic distribution of casualties, with the Dhaka Division suffering the highest toll at 614 deaths.
Other regions impacted include Chattogram with 104 deaths, Khulna with 80, Rajshahi with 65, Mymensingh with 44, Rangpur with 35, Sylhet with 23, and Barishal with 12.While the identities of 868 victims have been confirmed, 118 remain unknown. Citing information from hospitals, media outlets, and various other sources, the HRSS warns that the death toll could rise to at least 1,200 as further investigations continue.
The report underscores a pressing need for accountability and reform within law enforcement agencies as the nation grapples with the aftermath of the uprising. Human rights advocates are calling for immediate action to prevent further violence and to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
The report highlighted the diverse range of victims including students, labourers, journalists, professionals, law enforcement personnel, children, and women. Majority of the victims are from various political affiliations. Among the casualties, there are at least 127 children, 6 journalists, 51 law enforcement personnel, and 13 girls and women.