Human Rights situation in Bangladesh deeply alarming: Report

In Bangladesh, human rights situation over the past 17 months under the interim government has been “deeply alarming,” according to a report released by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS). The findings were presented on Wednesday at the National Press Club, where HRSS unveiled its assessment of human rights conditions and pre-election violence since 5 August 2024. The report documented at least 1,411 incidents of political violence during the period, resulting in a minimum of 195 deaths. HRSS also recorded 413 incidents of mob violence in which at least 313 people were killed. Journalists faced attacks in 427 incidents, with at least 834 media workers affected. Violence against women and children emerged as a major concern. The report said more than 2,500 women and children were subjected to abuse, including 1,016 cases of rape. Of these, 230 were gang rapes.  
Attacks on minority communities were also recorded. HRSS documented 56 incidents, including vandalism of homes and places of worship. These left one person dead and 27 injured, while 17 temples, 63 idols, and 65 homes were vandalised. Six cases of land grabbing targeting minority communities were also reported. The organisation attributed the worsening situation to weak law enforcement, ineffective government action and what it described as indifference by major political parties. It also noted a rise in violence against Minorities, attacks on shrines, assaults on journalists and media houses, and an increase in crimes such as extortion, robbery and murder, contributing to widespread public fear. 
Meanwhile, at a separate event at the Press Club, the Communications and Research Foundation (CRF) released a public opinion survey ahead of the 13th national election. The survey found that voters are more concerned about corruption and rising commodity prices than religious issues. The CRF report also highlighted voter security as the top concern, with many questioning whether the election will be held in a safe and credible manner. It noted shifting political preferences, with nearly half of Awami League supporters reportedly leaning towards the BNP, while more than one-third of new voters expressed support for Jamaat