1. Executive summary and recommendations
Bangladesh is scheduled to hold its next, the 13th Parliamentary Elections, on 12th February 2026. On one hand the exclusion of the Awami League, on other hand, the release of the Islamic terrorists, the availability of approximately 400,000 illegal weapons, and overall lawlessness that permeated the society, raise serious doubts as to whether free and fair elections can be held in Bangladesh. Out of the 42,761 polling booths in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Police has identified 8,746 polling centres as highly vulnerable, 16,359 as vulnerable centres and 17,656 centres as normal.[1] This vulnerability test however does not include the vulnerability of religious minorities in 97 constituencies and indigenous peoples at least in three constituencies of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).
The pdf version of the report can be accessed here.
Political violence has already intensified. On 5 November, during an election rally of the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), gunmen fired and BNP candidate Ershad Ullah and four others sustained bullet wounds while Sarwar Hossain, a “criminal”, who had been part of the campaign team, died.[2] Many candidates have been withdrawing candidatures[3] as political violence continue unabated with the murder of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi who succumbed to injuries on 18 December 2025.[4]
This report urges that Bangladesh cannot hold free and fair elections on 12 February 2026 unless international election monitors begin election monitoring at least prior to the start of the campaigning on 22 January 2026 and not only on the date of elections on 12 February 2026.
The Interim Government does not appear to be in a position to hold free and fair elections because of the followings:
- Islamic militants and gangs are all set to play critical role with their violence while a September 2025 study of the Dhaka University stated that approximately 400,000 illegal weapons are reported to be in use in Bangladesh[5] while another 2023 study from the Chittagong University had found that at least 50-60 gangs were active in Dhaka alone while 70-90 gangs operated across the country.[6] The situation has deteriorated because of the release of convicted terrorists such as Jashimuddin Rahmani, chief of the banned Ansarullah Bangla Team (now known as Ansar al-Islam, an Al-Qaeda-linked group)[7]; Abdus Salam Pintu sentenced to death for his role in the 2004 grenade attack on Sheikh Hasina[8]; Lutfozzaman Babar, convicted for the 2004 grenade attack and for involvement in the “10-truck arms haul” case[9] and Major (Retd) Syed Ziaul Haque, an Al-Qaeda-linked death row terrorist,[10] etc and open space given to the banned terror organisations like Hizb ut-Tahrir from March 2025 onwards.[11] Furthermore, the Interim Government failed to arrest nine militants and 60 other death row and life sentence-awarded convicts who escaped during the July-August 2024 uprising.[12] These terror elements will participate in the forthcoming elections in Bangladesh through violent means.
- Political killings have been continuing throughout the year with 281 killings and 7,698 injuries in political clashes from August 2024 to September 2025 as per a local NGO, Odhikar.[13] The Bangladesh Police further recorded a total of 3,509 murders from January to November 2025.[14] There are instances of politically motivated extrajudicial killings by the Bangladesh Police with instances of 40 extrajudicial killings recorded from August 2024 to October 2025.[15] At least 718 persons were lynched to death, including 41 police officers, from August 2024 to November 2025 including 637 mob lynching deaths from August 2024 to July 2025[16] and 81 mob lynching deaths August to November 2025.[17]
- Press freedom has been completely silenced to prevent free and fair elections. The reputed Dhaka Tribune in its Editorial on 17 December 2025 described Bangladesh as “No country for journalists” following the arrest of veteran journalist Anis Alamgir under the Anti-Terrorism Act for participating in TV debates.[18] Between August 2024 and October 2025, about 1,126 journalists were targeted through arrests, intimidation, assault or legal harassment.[19] A survey released on 7 December 2025 by Digitally Right, Fojo Media Institute (Sweden) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency found that 89% of the journalists feared assault during 2026 polls.[20] On 18 December 2025, The Daily Star and The Prothom Alo were burnt down without provocation after the news of the death of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi spread while the Interim Government did not provide any security.[21]
- Thousands of people have been facing political persecution in the name of countering terrorism. While at least about 12,231 political activists were arrested in February 2025 alone under Operation Devil Hunt-1 launched on 8 February 2025,[22] another 4,232 political activists were arrested as on 18 December 2025 under Operation Devil Hunt-2 launched on 12 December 2025.[23] Furthermore, by October 2025, an unprecedented 5,19,529 persons were implicated in 1,586 politically motivated cases.[24]
- There is no freedom of association and peaceful assembly for the minorities with a total of 2,485 acts of violence reported against religious and ethnic minorities from 4 August 2024 to July 2025.[25] Chief Advisor to the Interim Government, Dr Muhammad Yunus described these acts of violence as violence against the now-deposed Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina.[26] Religious minorities will witness unprecedented violence in the name of elections.
- In the Chittagong Hill Tracts, whenever indigenous peoples attempted to exercise their right to freedom of association and assembly under the Interim Government, they were shot dead by the Bangladesh Army. On 28 September 2025, three Marma indigenous youths were shot dead and 10 others were injured at Guimara, Khagrachari district, in firing by the Bangladesh Army while protesting against the failure of the authorities to arrest the accused of gang-rape of a minor indigenous girl on 23 September 2025.[27] Earlier, on 19-20 September 2024, at least four Indigenous persons were killed, at least 75 Indigenous Jumma people were seriously injured at Dighinala, Khagrachari and Rangamati in the aftermath of their March for Identity held on 18 September 2024.[28] Indigenous peoples will face more of the same violence in the name of elections.
- In addition, women will not be able to participate given general political violence. According to the Bangladesh Police, 20,691 crimes against women and children were recorded in Bangladesh from January to November 2025.[29] These represent only a fraction of the actual cases as many incidents go unreported.[30]
These grave situations will hamper free and fair elections. However, these situations are further aggravated by the absence of institutional checks and balances in the country. The Election Commission has not been given the responsibility for the superintendence for deployment of the law enforcement personnel to ensure free and fair elections. The judges operate under fear as at least 21 Supreme Court and High Court judges including the Chief Justice of Bangladesh were removed through protests even though Article 96(2) of the Constitution of Bangladesh provides that a judge cannot be removed from his office except by an order of the President passed pursuant to a resolution passed by the Parliament with two-thirds majority.[31] In fact, on 18December 2025, Law Advisor Dr Asif Nazrul met Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed at his Supreme Court office to protest against bail granted to Awami League’s followers by the High Court judges,[32] thereby undermining the independence of judiciary. There is also no National Human Rights Commission in Bangladesh to record the human rights violations as the Interim Government removed all its members on 7 November 2024[33] without appointing any new member of the NHRC as on date.[34]
Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) recommends the following:
- Deploy International Election Monitors across the country prior to the start of the campaigning on 22 January 2026 and these election monitors should remain present in the country until the elections results are declared to address post election violence; and
- Deploy specific International Election Monitors to monitor three indigenous peoples dominated constituencies of Khagrachari, Bandarban and Rangamati districts in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region and 97 Minority Determinant Constituencies in the rest of Bangladesh as given in ANNEX-1.
2. Human rights violations which will impede free and fair elections
The period since the Interim Government took office has witnessed a sharp rise in human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, custodial deaths, politically motivated prosecutions, restrictions on press freedom, suppression of freedom of association and assembly, violence against religious minorities and indigenous people, violence against women and children, etc.
2.1 About 400,000 illegal arms and freedom to operate by terrorists will hamper free and fair elections
The elections in Bangladesh have always been extremely violent. The incoming elections are all set to face more violence.
A September 2025 study, “Manufacturing of Illegal Weapons Formation By Extremist Groups In Bangladesh : Production, Trafficking, and Security Implications” by Nafisa Nur Hoque of University of Dhaka stated that approximately 400,000 illegal weapons are reported to be in use in Bangladesh. [35] Furthermore, a 2023 study by Homaira Nowshin Urmi and Ahmad Rajib Chowdhury of the Chittagong University had found that at least 50-60 gangs were active in Dhaka alone while 70-90 gangs operated across the country.[36]
Furthermore, the Interim Government has released convicted terrorists in the country including Jashimuddin Rahmani, chief of the banned Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) (now known as Ansar al-Islam, an Al-Qaeda-linked group) in August 2024 while serving a sentence related to the 2013 murder of a secular blogger Rajib Halder[37]; Abdus Salam Pintu, a former junior minister and prominent member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) who was sentenced to death for his role in the 2004 grenade attack on Sheikh Hasina in December 2024[38]; Lutfozzaman Babar, the former Home Minister under the BNP-Jamaat coalition, who was also convicted for the 2004 grenade attack and for involvement in the “10-truck arms haul” case[39]; Major (Retd) Syed Ziaul Haque, an Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist, who had been on death row[40], etc.
Banned terrorist organisations like Hizb ut-Tahrir were given the open political platform to operate from March 2025 onwards.[41]
In addition, out of 2,200 prisoners who escaped from jails during July Uprising, about 700 including nine militants and 60 other death row and life sentence-awarded convicts are still fugitive.[42]
In addition, out of 2,200 prisoners who escaped from jails during July Uprising, about 700 including nine militants and 60 other death row and life sentence-awarded convicts are still fugitive
All these Islamists and criminal syndicates are participating in the elections through violent means.
2.2 A lawless country ruled by mob lynching
Political violence has escalated sharply under the Interim Government while mob violence replaced the normal justice system.
While Ain o Salish Kendra reported that 146 people were killed and 6,254 injured in 552 incidents of political violence between August 2024 and October 2025,[43] Odhikar, another NGO, recorded 281 killings and 7,698 injuries in political clashes from August 2024 to September 2025.[44]
According to statistics of the Bangladesh Police, a total of 3,509 murders were recorded in Bangladesh from January to November 2025. These included 279 in November, 319 in October, 297 in September, 321 in August, 362 in July, 344 in June, 341 in May, 336 in April, 316 in March, 300 in February and 294 in January.[45]
Furthermore, at least 718 persons, including 41 police officers, were reportedly lynched to death under the interim government from August 2024 to October 2025. These include 637 mob lynching deaths from August 2024 to July 2025[46] and 81 mob lynching deaths August to November 2025.[47]
The toxic political violence, general violence and mob lynching deaths indicate a deeply violent political Bangladesh where the political parties, activists and ordinary voters will face grave risks during the forthcoming elections whether campaigning, holding rallies and carrying out routine political activities.
2.3 Persecution of the political opponents
Interim government has launched targeted political persecution in the name of countering terrorism. Political activists and ordinary citizens took the opportunity to settle their personal scores through false prosecution.
Thousands of people are facing political persecution. By November 2025, an unprecedented 5,19,529 persons had been implicated in politically motivated cases, including 80,583 named and 4,38,946 unnamed accused across 1,586 cases.[48]
Furthermore, thousands of political opponents have been targeted in the name of countering terrorism. While at least about 12,231 political activists were arrested in February 2025 alone under Operation Devil Hunt-1 launched on 8 February 2025,[49] another 4,232 political activists were arrested as on 18 December 2025 under Operation Devil Hunt-2 launched on 12 December 2025.[50]
These arrests reveal a pattern of systematic state repression rather than isolated misuse of authority.
On 17 December 2025, Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury while instructing to arrest on sight of the Awami League cadres stated, “There is no need to see if there are cases against Awami League’s criminals. They must be brought under the law as soon as they are seen. Otherwise, action will be taken against the police.”[51]
On 18December 2025, after meeting Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed at his Supreme Court office, Law Advisor Dr Nazrul said, “Granting bail to Awami League’s followers would not be consistent with any rules of bail.”[52]
These instructions violate the basic principles of the rule of law and political persecution is obvious.
2.4 Extrajudicial killings and custodial deaths
Politically motivated extrajudicial killings continue to plague the country. Odhikar reported 40 extrajudicial killings, including 14 in custody due to torture, under the interim government from August 2024 to October 2025. Further, 88 persons died in judicial custody from August 2024 to October 2025.[53] About 24 members of the Awami League died in custody between 4 August 2024 and 15 July 2025.[54]
2.5 Violations of freedom of expression
Media faced unprecedented crackdown unseen even under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Between August 2024 and November 2025, about 1,126 journalists were targeted through arrests, intimidation or legal harassment.[55] On 28 August 2025, journalist Monjurul Alam Panna was arrested while attending an event in Dhaka with police filing a case against him under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) after the programme was disrupted by protestors.[56]
The reputed Dhaka Tribune in its Editorial on 17 December 2025 described Bangladesh as “No country for journalists” following the arrest of veteran journalist Anis Alamgir under the Anti-Terrorism Act for participating in TV debates[57] with the sole aim to silence media freedom in the run up to the elections.
On 18 December 2025, The Daily Star and The Prothom Alo were burnt down without provocation after the news of the death of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi spread while the Interim Government did not provide any security.[58]
The Interim Government continues to abuse the Cyber Security Act of 2023 and a total of 60 cases were filed while 45 persons were arrested from August 2024 to November 2025[59] with no signs of repealing the Act.
2.6 Suppression of freedom of association and peaceful assembly for minorities and indigenous peoples
There is no freedom of association and peaceful assembly for the indigenous peoples and religious minorities in the country.
I. Religious minorities
A total of 2,485 incidents of violence against religious and ethnic minorities from 4 August 2024 to July 2025 were reported against religious minorities. These acts of violence included 2,442 attacks from August 2024 to June 2025[60] and 43 incidents during July 2025.[61]
Chief Advisor to the Interim Government, Dr Muhammad Yunus described these acts of violence as violence against the now-deposed Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina. In September 2024, Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus had stated that since there was a perception that most Hindus support the now-deposed Awami League government, led by Sheikh Hasina and when the country went through an upheaval following the atrocities by (Sheikh) Hasina and the Awami League, those who were with them (Hindus) also faced attacks.[62]
Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was arrested in a trumped-up sedition case on 25 November 2024 for organising a peacefully rally of the minority Hindus on 24 October 2024 at Laldighi, Chittagong and he remains in jail till date under various fabricated charges.[63]
The Hindu minorities were also attacked and their houses were burnt for organising a peaceful assembly on 22 November 2024 at Rangpur.[64]
After these incidents, the Hindu minorities effectively stopped organising rallies. They cannot even celebrate religious festivals without security guarantees. During the Durga Puja in September 2025, about 18 attacks across 16 districts were reported with temples vandalized, idols mutilated and minority homes targeted.[65]
The Hindu minorities are expected to suffer violent acts in the 97 Minority Determinant Constituencies of Bangladesh.
II. Indigenous peoples of the CHT
In the Chittagong Hill Tracts, whenever indigenous peoples attempted to exercise their right to freedom of association and assembly under the Interim Government, they were shot dead by the Bangladesh Army.
On 28 September 2025, three Marma indigenous youths were shot dead and 10 others were injured at Guimara, Khagrachari district, by the Bangladesh Army personnel while protesting against the failure of the authorities to arrest the accused of gang-rape of a minor indigenous girl on 23 September 2025.[66]
Similarly, on 18 September 2024, the indigenous students organised ‘March For Identity’ at Khagrachari district in which over 40,000 indigenous peoples participated. The illegal Muslim settlers with the support of the Bangladesh Army thereafter organised attacks on indigenous peoples at Khagrachari and Rangamati district on 19-20 September 2024. In these attacks, at least four Indigenous persons i.e. Mr Dhana Ranjan Chakma, Mr Junan Chakma, Mr Rubel Tripura and Mr Anik Chakma were killed, at least 75 Indigenous Jumma people were seriously injured while at least 142 properties including Buddhist temples were looted, destroyed or set ablaze.[67]
Indigenous peoples across the CHT are expected to face restrictions on their freedom of association and assembly and acts of violence during the election campaigns.
2.7 Increase violence against women and children will scare women voters
There has been a sharp rise in violence against women and girls, pointing to increasing impunity for perpetrators, deteriorating law and order, growing anti-women propaganda and social intolerance by the Islamic fundamentalists.
According to the Bangladesh Police, about 20,691 crimes against women and children were recorded in Bangladesh from January to November 2025. These included 1,744 in November, 1,985 in October, 1,928 in September, 1,904 in August, 2,097 in July, 1,933 in June, 2,087 in May, 2,089 in April, 2,054 in March, 1,430 in February and 1,440 in January.[68]
As per Odhikar, 687 rapes took place between January and September 2025, of which 384 were girls under 18 years.[69] This figure represents only a fraction of the actual cases as many incidents go unreported.[70]
The overall violence in the country and targeting of women and children will scare women voters from participating in the elections.
3. No institution to guarantee free and fair elections
These grave situations, which will hamper free and fair elections, are further aggravated by the absence of institutional checks and balances in the country. The Election Commission has not been given the responsibility for superintendence of the deployment of the law enforcement personnel. The judiciary serves as the handmaiden of the Interim Government in the absence of independence of judiciary while the National Human Rights Commission remains defunct after removal of all members of the Commission on 7 November 2024.
3.1 Election Commission is not in charge of law and order deployment
Despite recent amendments to electoral laws, public trust in the Election Commission of Bangladesh remains low. The appointment of Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers by the Executive Branch has raised concerns about unconstitutional interference, prompting legal challenges including the writ petition filed on 3 December 2025. The lack of an independent electoral administrative cadre undermines the neutrality and operational autonomy of the EC.[71]
The Representation of the People (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 introduced several positive reforms such as the “No Vote” option, AI-related offence provisions and enhanced penalties for code of conduct violations. However, these reforms are overshadowed by unresolved structural issues, including the dominance of the Executive in election management and the absence of independent oversight mechanisms.[72]
More critically, the Election Commission does not have the responsibility for the superintendence for deployment of the law enforcement personnel to ensure free and fair elections.
3.2 No independent judiciary
There is no independent judiciary in Bangladesh. At least 21 Supreme Court and High Court judges including the Chief Justice of Bangladesh were removed through protests even though Article 96(2) of the Constitution of Bangladesh provides that a judge cannot be removed from his office except by an order of the President pursuant to a resolution passed by the Parliament with two-thirds majority.[73]
Human rights lawyers alleged that the fear exists both inside and outside the judiciary and judges are constantly worried about who might speak out against them if they take a particular decision. If a group raises its voice loudly against a judge for any reason, that judge’s career is practically over. In such a climate of fear, proper verdicts are not being issued.[74]
In fact, on 18December 2025, Law Advisor Dr Asif Nazrul met Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed at his Supreme Court office to protest against bail granted to Awami League’s followers by the High Court judges,[75] thereby undermining the independence of judiciary.
On 10 August 2024, six judges of the Supreme Court including Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan and Justice M Enayetur Rahim, Justice Md Abu Zafor Siddique, Justice Jahangir Hossain Selim, Justice Md Shahinur Islam and Justice Kashefa Hussain were forced to resign following protests by the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement. [76]
On 16 October 2024, 12 High Court judges were barred from judicial work because of the protests by the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement.[77]
On 19 November 2024, three judges of the High Court Justice Salma Masud Chowdhury, Justice Kazi Reza-ul-Haque, and Justice AKM Zahirul Haque had to resign after the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement made allegations of corruption.[78]
Consequently, judiciary operates under fear and is unable to deliver justice contrary to the mob sentiments.
3.3 No NHRC to record human rights violations
There are no National Human Rights Institutions in Bangladesh. On 7 November 2024, the interim Government forced all members of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Bangladesh to resign.[79] As on date, the Interim Government has not appointed any member of the NHRC.[80]
Therefore, there is no institution in Bangladesh to record the ongoing human rights violations. [Ends]
[1]. Police identify 8,746 polling centres as highly vulnerable, Prothom Alo, 27 November 2025, https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/politics/saqdp3l0hc
[2]. ‘Top criminal’ Sarwar killed during BNP candidate’s campaign in Chittagong, The Dhaka Tribune, 5 November 2025, https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/395671/top-criminal-sarwar-killed-in-shooting-at-bnp
[3]. Citing security concerns, N’ganj-5 BNP candidate withdraws from election race, The Daily Star, 16 December 2025, https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/citing-security-concerns-nganj-5-bnp-candidate-withdraws-election-race-4059856
[4]. Bangladesh: Youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi dies in Singapore; succumbed to injuries after assassination attempt, The Times of India, 19 December 2025, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/bangladesh-youth-leader-sharif-osman-hadi-dies-in-singapore-succumbed-to-injuries-after-assassination-attempt/articleshow/126062375.cms
[5]. Manufacturing of Illegal Weapons Formation By Extremist Groups In Bangladesh : Production, Trafficking, and Security Implications, Nafisa Nur Hoque, University of Dhaka, September 2025, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/395464068_Manufacturing_of_Illegal_Weapons_Formation_By_Extremist_Groups_In_Bangladesh_Production_Trafficking_and_Security_Implications
[6]. Gang Violence and Gang Culture in Bangladesh: A Phenomenon Dangerous for the Youth Group, Homaira Nowshin Urmi and Ahmad Rajib Chowdhury,
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW MANAGEMENT & HUMANITIES [ISSN 2581-5369] Volume 6 | Issue 3 2023|, https://www.ijlmh.com/wp-content/uploads/Gang-Violence-and-Gang-Culture-in-Bangladesh.pdf,
[7]. Ansarullah Bangla Team chief released on bail from Kashimur jail, Dhaka Tribune, 26 August 2024, https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/356166/ansarullah-bangla-team-chief-freed-from-kashimur
[8]. BNP leader Pintu released from jail after 17 years, Prothom Alo, 24 December 2024, https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/politics/ikl6hikifd
[9]. Lutfozzaman Babar walks out of prison after 17yrs, Dhaka Tribune, 16 January 2025, https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/people/370958/lutfuzzaman-babar-released-from-prison
[10]. Who is Major Zia, India-hater army officer-turned-terrorist?, The Times of India, 19 August 2025, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/toi-plus/international/who-is-major-zia-india-hater-army-officer-turned-terrorist/articleshow/123360425.cms
[11]. Banned Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir holds first public rally in Bangladesh since 2009, Indian Express, 7 March 2025, https://indianexpress.com/article/world/banned-islamist-group-hizb-ut-tahrir-public-rally-bangladesh-9874361/
[12]. Over 2,200 escaped from jails during July Uprising, 700 still fugitive: IG Prisons , BSS News, Dhaka, 26 August 2025, https://www.bssnews.net/news/305398
[13]. “Human Rights Violation during Interim Government period, 9 August 2024 to September 2025”, Odhikar, Quarterly Human Rights Report, July-September 2025, https://odhikar.org/quarterly-human-rights-report-july-september-2025/
[14]. See “Crime Statistics”, Bangladesh Police, https://www.police.gov.bd/
[15]. “Human Rights Violation during Interim Government period, 9 August 2024 to September 2025”, Odhikar, Quarterly Human Rights Report, July-September 2025, https://odhikar.org/quarterly-human-rights-report-july-september-2025/
[16]. “BROKEN TRUST, RISING RAGE: Bangladesh Completes A Year of Mob Rule and Violence in the Shadows of Power”, Global Center for Democratic Governance (GCDG), 2 August 2025, https://globalcdg.org/bangladesh-completes-a-year-of-mob-rule-and-violence/
[17]. See “Statistics Monthly 2025.xlsm” at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSyH4hSQJcdC4vF7rle3YBe3dQfgfyLPro5QS9JpBn3ERLvG-caYbfuJCIm7eZKfg/pubhtml
[18]. No country for journalists, The Dhaka Tribune, 17 December 2025, https://www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/editorial/398909/no-country-for-journalists
[19]. ANNUAL Human Rights Monitoring Report 2024, Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation, https://www.msf.org.bd/press_release_183.php & see List of Monthly Report “Human Rights Monitoring Report, January to November 2025, Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation, https://www.msf.org.bd/Monthly%20Reports.php
[20]. 89% journos fear assault during 2026 polls, The Daily Star, 7 December 2025, https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/elections/news/89-journos-fear-assault-during-2026-polls-4052366
[21]. Print and online operations of Prothom Alo, The Daily Star suspended after overnight fire, vandalism, The Business Standard, 19 December 2025, https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/print-and-online-operations-prothom-alo-daily-star-suspended-after-overnight-fire
[22]. Operation Devil Hunt: 12,231 arrested since launch, Dhaka Tribune, 28 February 2025, https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/375035/12-231-arrested-nationwide-since-launch-of
[23]. 4,232 so far arrested in Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2, The Business Standard, 18 December 2025, https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/crime/4232-so-far-arrested-operation-devil-hunt-phase-2-1313476
[24]. Human Rights Situation in Bangladesh- 2024, Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF), Dhaka, 31 December 2024, http://www.msf.org.bd/press_release_183.php and “Monthly Human Rights Monitoring Reports from January to November 2025 of MSF, https://www.msf.org.bd/Monthly%20Reports.php
[25] Atrocities during the month of July, 2025, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council accessed by the ACHR on 5 August 2025
[26]. ‘Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh exaggerated’: Muhammad Yunus questions India, The Hindustan Times, 05 September 2024, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/attacks-on-hindus-in-bangladesh-exaggerated-muhammad-yunus-questions-india-101725527725684.html
[27]. Police reveal identities of three killed in Khagrachhari violence, Bdnews24.com, 29 September 2025, https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/70d9ab915389
[28]. 100 Days of Dr Yunus: Mobocracy Imperils Bangladesh’s Reforms, Rights & Risks Analysis Group, 18 November 2024, https://www.rightsrisks.org/by-country/bangladesh/100-days-of-dr-yunus-mobocracy-imperils-bangladeshs-reforms/
[29]. See “Crime Statistics”, Bangladesh Police, https://www.police.gov.bd/
[30]. Violence against women rises as perpetrators walk free, Dhaka Tribune, 25 November 2025, https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/397214/violence-against-women-rises-as-perpetrators-walk
[31]. Bangladesh: Interim Govt Fails Constitution Compliance Test On Fundamental Rights, Asian Centre for Human Rights, 10 December 2025, https://www.achrweb.org/banner/bangladesh-interim-govt-fails-constitution-compliance-test-on-fundamental-rights/
[32]. Bail for Hasina’s followers defies judicial rules: Law adviser, The Daily Star, 19 December 2025, https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/bail-hasinas-followers-defies-judicial-rules-law-adviser-4061836
[33]. All members of National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh resign, Bdnews24.com, 07 Nov 2024, https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/f731f0f8da2a
[34]. TIB slams govt over failure to form rights, info commissions, The Daily Star, 24 July 2025, https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/tib-slams-govt-over-failure-form-rights-info-commissions-3946451
[35]. Manufacturing of Illegal Weapons Formation By Extremist Groups In Bangladesh : Production, Trafficking, and Security Implications, Nafisa Nur Hoque, University of Dhaka, September 2025, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/395464068_Manufacturing_of_Illegal_Weapons_Formation_By_Extremist_Groups_In_Bangladesh_Production_Trafficking_and_Security_Implications
[36]. Gang Violence and Gang Culture in Bangladesh: A Phenomenon Dangerous for the Youth Group, Homaira Nowshin Urmi and Ahmad Rajib Chowdhury, International Journal of Law Management & Humanities [ISSN 2581-5369] Volume 6 | Issue 3 2023|, https://www.ijlmh.com/wp-content/uploads/Gang-Violence-and-Gang-Culture-in-Bangladesh.pdf,
[37]. Ansarullah Bangla Team chief released on bail from Kashimur jail, Dhaka Tribune, 26 August 2024, https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/356166/ansarullah-bangla-team-chief-freed-from-kashimur
[38]. BNP leader Pintu released from jail after 17 years, Prothom Alo, 24 December 2024, https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/politics/ikl6hikifd
[39]. Lutfozzaman Babar walks out of prison after 17yrs, Dhaka Tribune, 16 January 2025, https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/people/370958/lutfuzzaman-babar-released-from-prison
[40]. Who is Major Zia, India-hater army officer-turned-terrorist?, The Times of India, 19 August 2025, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/toi-plus/international/who-is-major-zia-india-hater-army-officer-turned-terrorist/articleshow/123360425.cms
[41]. Banned Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir holds first public rally in Bangladesh since 2009, Indian Express, 7 March 2025, https://indianexpress.com/article/world/banned-islamist-group-hizb-ut-tahrir-public-rally-bangladesh-9874361/
[42]. Over 2,200 escaped from jails during July Uprising, 700 still fugitive: IG Prisons , BSS News, Dhaka, 26 August 2025, https://www.bssnews.net/news/305398
[43]. See “Statistics Monthly 2025.xlsm” at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSyH4hSQJcdC4vF7rle3YBe3dQfgfyLPro5QS9JpBn3ERLvG-caYbfuJCIm7eZKfg/pubhtml#gid=2007480186 & “Statistics Monthly 2024.xlsm”, https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vQnKnoh1g8aK6dlsyIeshfpmGwYWZOMBIJjLi5qvxP7vtJfneGF_i2r8ADySYqHVA/pubhtml#gid=1754778570
[44]. “Human Rights Violation during Interim Government period, 9 August 2024 to September 2025”, Odhikar, Quarterly Human Rights Report, July-September 2025, https://odhikar.org/quarterly-human-rights-report-july-september-2025/
[45]. See “Crime Statistics”, Bangladesh Police, https://www.police.gov.bd/
[46]. “BROKEN TRUST, RISING RAGE: Bangladesh Completes A Year of Mob Rule and Violence in the Shadows of Power”, Global Center for Democratic Governance (GCDG), 2 August 2025, https://globalcdg.org/bangladesh-completes-a-year-of-mob-rule-and-violence/
[47]. See “Statistics Monthly 2025.xlsm” at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSyH4hSQJcdC4vF7rle3YBe3dQfgfyLPro5QS9JpBn3ERLvG-caYbfuJCIm7eZKfg/pubhtml
[48]. Human Rights Situation in Bangladesh- 2024, Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF), Dhaka, 31 December 2024, http://www.msf.org.bd/press_release_183.php and “Monthly Human Rights Monitoring Reports from January to November 2025 of MSF, https://www.msf.org.bd/Monthly%20Reports.php
[49]. Operation Devil Hunt: 12,231 arrested since launch, Dhaka Tribune, 28 February 2025, https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/375035/12-231-arrested-nationwide-since-launch-of
[50]. 4,232 so far arrested in Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2, The Business Standard, 18 December 2025, https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/crime/4232-so-far-arrested-operation-devil-hunt-phase-2-1313476
[51]. ‘Arrest Awami League criminals on sight, no need to check cases’, The Dhaka Tribune, 18 December 2025, https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/398982/arrest-awami-league-criminals-on-sight-no-need
[52]. Bail for Hasina’s followers defies judicial rules: Law adviser, The Daily Star, 19 December 2025, https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/bail-hasinas-followers-defies-judicial-rules-law-adviser-4061836
[53]. “Human Rights Violation during Interim Government period, 9 August 2024 to September 2025”, Odhikar, Quarterly Human Rights Report, July-September 2025, https://odhikar.org/quarterly-human-rights-report-july-september-2025/
[54]. Call for Independent Investigation into Deaths of 24 Awami League Leaders and Activists in Custody, Bangladesh Awami League, 15 July 2025, https://www.albd.org/articles/news/41549/Call-for-Independent-Investigation-into-Deaths-of-21-Awami-League-Leaders-and-Activists-in-Custody
[55]. ANNUAL Human Rights Monitoring Report 2024, Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation, https://www.msf.org.bd/press_release_183.php & see List of Monthly Report “Human Rights Monitoring Report, January to November 2025, Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation, https://www.msf.org.bd/Monthly%20Reports.php
[56]. Bangladesh: Journalist detained under anti-terrorism act during roundtable, IFJ, 4 September 2025, https://www.ifj.org/media-centre/news/detail/category/press-releases/article/bangladesh-journalist-detained-under-anti-terrorism-act-during-roundtable
[57]. No country for journalists, The Dhaka Tribune, 17 December 2025, https://www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/editorial/398909/no-country-for-journalists
[58]. Print and online operations of Prothom Alo, The Daily Star suspended after overnight fire, vandalism, The Business Standard, 19 December 2025, https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/print-and-online-operations-prothom-alo-daily-star-suspended-after-overnight-fire
[59]. ANNUAL Human Rights Monitoring Report 2024, Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation, https://www.msf.org.bd/press_release_183.php & see List of Monthly Report “Human Rights Monitoring Report, January to November 2025, Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation, https://www.msf.org.bd/Monthly%20Reports.php
[60]. Bangladesh saw nearly 2,500 communal attacks in 330 days, minorities demand justice, India Today, 11 July 2025, https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/bangladesh-saw-nearly-2500-communal-attacks-in-330-days-minorities-demand-justice-2754066-2025-07-11
[61]. Atrocities during the month of July, 2025, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council accessed by ACHR on 5 August 2025
[62]. ‘Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh exaggerated’: Muhammad Yunus questions India, The Hindustan Times, 05 September 2024, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/attacks-on-hindus-in-bangladesh-exaggerated-muhammad-yunus-questions-india-101725527725684.html
[63]. Former ISKCON monk Chinmoy Das charged with murder in B’desh, Times of India, 26 August 2025, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/former-iskcon-monk-chinmoy-das-charged-with-murder-in-bdesh/articleshow/123511915.cms
[64].Bangladeshi Muslims attack and harass Hindus during Rangpur rally, News Intervention Bureau, 23 November 2024, https://www.newsintervention.com/bangladeshi-muslims-attack-and-harass-hindus-during-rangpur-rally/
[65]. UNESCO-Recognized Heritage Under Attack: Desecration of Durga Idols and Violence Against Bangladesh’s Hindu Minority, Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities, 27 September 2025, https://www.hrcbm.org/wp-new/unesco-recognized-heritage-under-attack-desecration-of-durga-idols-and-violence-against-bangladeshs-hindu-minority/
[66]. Police reveal identities of three killed in Khagrachhari violence, Bdnews24.com, 29 September 2025, https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/70d9ab915389
[67]. 100 Days of Dr Yunus: Mobocracy Imperils Bangladesh’s Reforms, Rights & Risks Analysis Group, 18 November 2024, https://www.rightsrisks.org/by-country/bangladesh/100-days-of-dr-yunus-mobocracy-imperils-bangladeshs-reforms/
[68]. See “Crime Statistics”, Bangladesh Police, https://www.police.gov.bd/
[69]. “Human Rights Violation during Interim Government period, 9 August 2024 to September 2025”, Odhikar, Quarterly Human Rights Report, July-September 2025, https://odhikar.org/quarterly-human-rights-report-july-september-2025/
[70]. Violence against women rises as perpetrators walk free, Dhaka Tribune, 25 November 2025, https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/397214/violence-against-women-rises-as-perpetrators-walk
[71]. Writ filed seeking suspension of 13th parliamentary election activities, Dhaka Tribune, 3 December 2025, https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/court/397893/writ-filed-seeking-suspension-of-13th
[72]. Ibid
[73]. The Constitution of Bangladesh can be accessed at http://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/act-367.html
[74]. Who will dare to even issue an order amid environment of fear: Sara Hossain, Prothom Alo, 23 July 2025, https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/6pfwxnrfje
[75]. Bail for Hasina’s followers defies judicial rules: Law adviser, The Daily Star, 19 December 2025, https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/bail-hasinas-followers-defies-judicial-rules-law-adviser-4061836
[76]. CJ, 5 other SC judges resign, The Daily Star, 11 August 2024, https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/cj-5-other-sc-judges-resign-3674021
[77]. Student protest on SC premises: 12 HC judges barred from judicial work, The Daily Star, 17 October 2024, https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/student-protest-sc-premises-12-hc-judges-barred-judicial-work-3729306
[78]. 3 High Court Judges resign, Dhaka Tribune, 19 November 2024, https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/court/365638/3-high-court-judges-resign
[79]. All members of National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh resign, Bdnews24.com, 07 Nov 2024, https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/f731f0f8da2a
[80]. TIB slams govt over failure to form rights, info commissions, The Daily Star, 24 July 2025, https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/tib-slams-govt-over-failure-form-rights-info-commissions-3946451
