After the political changeover on August 5, 2024, the number of cases filed across Bangladesh increased sharply.
Opposition activists, journalists, local businesspeople and ordinary citizens allege that opportunistic groups exploited the post-changeover situation to implicate innocent people in cases to settle old disputes and personal rivalries.
The interim government, however, maintains that regular legal procedures were followed to maintain law and order and curb crime.
According to sources at the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Bangladesh Police Headquarters, about 22,000 cases were filed nationwide between August 5, 2024, and the 13th national election, covering a period of roughly one to one and a half years.
Of these, at least 7,500 cases were filed over political violence and vandalism, around 1,500 cases over murder and attempted murder, 1,200 cases under the Special Powers Act, 1974 and the Digital Security Act, more than 2,000 cases under sabotage and explosives laws, and at least 10,000 cases over offences including theft, land grabbing and assault.
According to the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), from the July 2024 uprising to January 31, 2026, at least 349 cases were filed against leaders and activists of various political parties, including the Awami League.
In those cases, 29,772 people were named as accused and more than 65,000 individuals were shown as unidentified suspects.
The organization also said 222 journalists were named as accused in 49 cases, while 834 journalists were subjected to killing, torture or harassment during the same period. In addition, 41 cases were filed under the Cyber Security Act, 2025.
Despite various reform initiatives following the July uprising, HRSS said incidents of human rights violations, particularly linked to violence, remained clearly visible and expressed concern over the overall deterioration of the country’s law-and-order situation and human rights conditions.
Police sources said charge sheets have already been submitted in 30 to 40% of the cases filed during the interim government period, while slightly more than 20% of the cases remain under investigation. In several cases, final reports have been submitted, and many accused have been discharged.
Although rapid investigations and the use of digital evidence have brought relief to some innocent people, investigators noted a growing tendency to include a large number of names in FIRs. Police officials said that, given the context of political violence, strict enforcement is part of the normal legal process and that those found innocent are dropped during the investigation.
Human rights activist Ejazul Islam said coordinated efforts at all levels of the state and society are needed to establish the rule of law, strengthen democratic processes and protect human rights through constructive dialogue among political parties, civil society, journalists and rights organisations.
Additional Inspector General of Police Khandaker Rafiqul Islam said most cases were filed by victims, including cases that could not be lodged earlier. Charge sheets are being prepared using video footage, CCTV and mobile data analysis. He added that innocent persons can be excluded during the investigation.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed reiterated that vested groups had implicated many ordinary and innocent people in several cases filed after August 5, 2024, and said police had been instructed to review the cases and submit reports.