With Bangladesh gearing up for its 13th parliamentary election in February, a surge in violence, including targeted killings and illegal firearms usage, has instilled fear among political parties and candidates nationwide. Reports indicate a significant increase in killings related to political rivalries, power struggles, and personal conflicts, raising security concerns among the populace. Last year, 3,509 individuals lost their lives in various incidents across Bangladesh, as per Police headquarters data cited by local media.
The Dhaka-based rights group Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) highlighted that political violence resulted in the deaths of 102 individuals in the previous year, a notable rise from 45 fatalities in 2023. Additionally, the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) of Bangladesh recorded 123 deaths linked to political violence in 2025, up from 96 in the preceding year. The recent assassination of Sharif Osman Hadi, a radical Islamist leader aspiring to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming election, has reignited security concerns, prompting political figures to hire armed protection.
In response to escalating violence, Bangladesh’s interim government initiated the second phase of “Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2” nationwide to combat subversive activities involving illegal arms before the February 2026 polls. Notably, the initial 24 days of the operation led to the arrest of 15,009 individuals and the recovery of 218 firearms, according to police headquarters data. Amid the ongoing security operation, a leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s voluntary wing was fatally shot in Dhaka, underscoring the prevailing risks faced by political figures and voters.
Saiful Haque, the general secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party and a BNP-backed candidate, expressed concerns over the safety of voters and candidates following the recent killings. Haque emphasized the necessity for improved law and order to ensure a fair and secure electoral process. Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam acknowledged the challenges in preventing targeted violence, highlighting ongoing police efforts under Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2 to maintain order ahead of the election. Bangladesh has witnessed a surge in violence and deteriorating law enforcement since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus assumed power.
