6 killed, 878 injured in ‘political violence’ in August: Report

Staff Report :
At least six people were killed and 878 injured in 74 incidents of “political violence” in August, according to a report published by Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) on Saturday.

The report states that most of these casualties occurred in clashes centred on the ruling Awami League’s infighting and BNP’s rally.

Besides, relating to the funeral of Jamaat leader Delwar Hossain Saidi, one person was killed and several people were injured and arrested in clashes involving Awami League and the police against his supporters in several districts including the capital, the report said.

In August, 501 people, including 494 from BNP-Jamaat, were subjected to political arrests by law enforcement agencies this month, while 27 political cases were filed against opposition party leaders-activists naming 1,033 people and 11,095 others were accused anonymously, reads the report.

These findings are based on information from various media outlets in Bangladesh, as well as investigations conducted by the HRSS’s dedicated unit and input from local representatives.

The report also stated that there have been incidents of obstruction in organizing 14 meetings of the opposition parties by law enforcement forces and government party leaders and activists.

During the clash, 435 people were injured and 48 people were arrested from the rallies. Also, six people were injured in election violence.

As per the report, 38 journalists were tortured and harassed in 24 attacks this month.

At least 23 people were injured, 11 people were assaulted, three were threatened and one was arrested.

At the same time, three people have been arrested and five people have been charged in four cases filed under the Digital Security Act 2018 The report also expressed concern that five people were killed and 13 injured in 10 incidents of “public lynching” in August.

According to the report, 259 women and girls were victims of child abuse in the month of August. Among them, 85 people have been raped, out of which 38 children.

“It is of great concern that 13 women and children were gang-raped and two were killed after the rape.

A total of 95 women were victims of sexual violence, including 56 children,” the report said.