Political violence leaves 4 dead, 527 hurt in Sept

At least four people were killed and 527 injured in 68 incidents of political violence across Bangladesh in September, according to a report by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS).

HRSS said the report was based on news reports from 16 national media outlets as well as information collected through its own investigations.

The organisation said the incidents were mainly linked to political disputes, attempts to establish dominance and extortion.

Of the 68 incidents, 35 involved internal conflicts within the BNP, resulting in 340 injuries and one death. Seven clashes between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami left 61 people injured, while six BNP-Awami League clashes left 42 injured and one dead.

Two clashes between Jamaat-e-Islami and the Awami League left three people injured and one dead, while three BNP-NCP clashes injured 16 people.

HRSS said two of the four people killed were affiliated with the Awami League, while one each belonged to the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.

Meanwhile, 20 people were injured in two clashes linked to the upcoming local government elections. The report also recorded 12 separate attacks on political leaders and activists, leaving seven people injured.

In August, HRSS recorded 70 incidents of political violence, in which seven people were killed and 536 injured.