Dhaka | January — Incidents of mob violence in Bangladesh rose sharply in January, with deaths from mob beatings more than doubling compared to the previous month, while fatalities in custody also increased significantly, according to a new monitoring report by the Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF).
The rights organisation recorded 21 deaths caused by mob beatings in January, compared to 10 deaths in December 2025, marking a steep month-on-month increase. The findings were published today in MSF’s monthly human rights monitoring report, which described the situation during the month as “alarmingly violent and complex.”
MSF, chaired by prominent rights activist Sultana Kamal, expressed deep concern over the growing prevalence of mob justice, warning that the lack of visible state action against such violence has contributed to a sense of impunity.
“The absence of effective measures against extrajudicial and mob-related killings has emboldened perpetrators,” the report stated, adding that the trend reflects a declining public confidence in the rule of law.
Rise in Unidentified Bodies and Custodial Deaths
The report also documented an increase in the recovery of unidentified bodies. In January, 57 unidentified bodies were found, up from 48 in December, further highlighting concerns over public safety and accountability.
Deaths in custody emerged as another major area of concern. According to MSF, 15 people died in prison custody in January, a sharp rise from nine deaths recorded the previous month. In addition, two individuals died while in the custody of law enforcement agencies during the same period.
MSF attributed the rise in custodial deaths primarily to medical negligence, inhumane treatment, and administrative failures within the prison system, calling for urgent reforms to ensure detainee safety.
Election-Related Violence Intensifies
With the 13th national parliamentary election approaching, the report noted a noticeable escalation in political violence. In January alone, four people were killed and 509 others injured in election-related clashes. By comparison, only one death was recorded in such incidents in December.
The organisation warned that unchecked political violence could further destabilise the country during the pre-election period.
Concerns Over Mass Arrest Tactics
The report also highlighted a sharp increase in the use of “unnamed accused” in police cases linked to political activities. The number of unidentified individuals named in such cases surged from 110 in December to 320 in January.
Human rights defenders argue that this practice enables indiscriminate arrests, allowing law enforcement agencies to detain individuals without clear evidence and fostering fear among political activists and the general public.
Women, Children, and Minorities at Risk
MSF described the situation facing women and children as a “severe human rights crisis.” In January, the organisation recorded 257 incidents of violence against women and children, including 34 cases of rape and 11 incidents of gang rape.
Attacks targeting religious minority communities also increased significantly. The report noted 21 incidents involving theft, vandalism, or damage to temples and idols in January, up from just six incidents in December.
Call for Immediate Action
MSF urged the authorities to launch immediate, impartial, and transparent investigations into all reported violations. The organisation stressed that protecting citizens’ lives and rights is essential to restoring public trust in the justice system.
Without decisive intervention, the report warned, rising mob violence, custodial deaths, and political repression could further erode democratic norms and the rule of law in the run-up to the national election.