254 Killed in Political Violence Over Nine Months: Odhikar Report

A total of 254 people lost their lives in political violence across Bangladesh from January to September this year, according to a quarterly report released by human rights organization Odhikar. The report, shared with the media on Friday, highlights that 8,296 individuals were injured in such incidents during this period.

The most violent stretch occurred between August 1 and 5, during which 93 people were killed in political unrest. After the interim government took office on August 9, political violence claimed 52 lives between August 9 and September 30.

Odhikar's report for the July-September quarter details these findings, based on inputs from field human rights activists, reports published in various media outlets, and data from the Discrimination-Resistant Students and National Citizens’ Committee. The report comprises three segments:

1. July 1 to August 5, 2024: Highlights incidents under the authoritarian governance of Sheikh Hasina’s administration.
2. August 9 to September 30, 2024: Focuses on events during the interim government's tenure.
3. July 1 to September 30, 2024: Covers other instances of human rights violations.

The report also notes that from July to September, 67 individuals were killed in mob lynchings, with 36 deaths occurring between July 1 and August 5 and 31 between August 9 and September 30.

Odhikar highlighted the transitional period from August 5 to 8, 2024, when no formal government was in power following the ousting of the Awami League government in a student-led uprising.

Additionally, the report sheds light on extrajudicial killings, revealing that 1,581 people were killed during July and August. This data, described as the cumulative death toll from alleged massacres, was sourced from the National Citizens’ Committee and Discrimination-Resistant Students group. Odhikar continues to investigate these cases to provide a more comprehensive record.

The organization emphasized the need for accountability and justice for the victims of human rights violations during both the authoritarian and interim government periods.