Bangladesh experienced a significant increase in mob violence in January, with the number of deaths from public beatings more than doubling compared to the previous month. A report by the Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation revealed that 21 people lost their lives in mob attacks during January, a stark rise from the 10 deaths reported in December 2025. The foundation expressed serious concerns about the country’s law and order situation as national elections approach.
The report emphasized the lack of decisive state action against mob violence, leading to a culture of impunity. This has emboldened perpetrators and eroded public trust in the justice system. The incidents were described as a clear indication of the public’s diminishing faith in the rule of law.
In addition to mob-related fatalities, the report highlighted an increase in the discovery of unidentified bodies across Bangladesh. January saw 57 such bodies found, compared to 48 in December. Moreover, custodial deaths emerged as a pressing issue, with 15 inmates dying in prison custody in January, up from nine in the previous month. Two individuals also reportedly died while in the custody of law enforcement agencies.
As the 13th national election nears, the report noted a rise in election-related violence. Four individuals lost their lives, and 509 others were injured in clashes linked to political activities in January. This marked a substantial escalation from December’s recorded incidents. The report also raised concerns about the escalating use of unidentified individuals in police cases, which surged from 110 in December to 320 in January, potentially leading to mass arrests and instilling fear among the public.
The safety of women and children deteriorated significantly, with 257 cases of violence against them recorded in January alone, including 34 rape cases and 11 incidents of gang rape. Attacks on minority communities also increased, with 21 incidents involving theft, vandalism, or damage to temples and idols in January, compared to just six in the previous month. The Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation called for an immediate, impartial investigation into these violations and urged authorities to safeguard all citizens to rebuild trust in the justice system.
