As Bangladesh gears up for its 13th national parliamentary election, public anxiety is rising amid a notable surge in election-related violence across the country.
Tensions escalated immediately after the election schedule was announced on December 11, following the killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, convener of the Inqilab Mancha, in the capital.
According to government sources, four people have died and more than 500 were injured in election-related incidents since the schedule was released.
Human rights organizations, however, report a worsening law and order situation. Since campaigning began on January 21, they have recorded four deaths, 414 injuries, and 51 incidents of clashes.
Among the reported fatalities: Nazrul Islam, a supporter of independent candidate Salman Omar Rubel, was killed at Ershad Bazar in Dhobaura, Mymensingh; Jamaat-e-Islami secretary Rezaul Karim died after being beaten and crushed with bricks in Sherpur’s Sribardi upazila; Md. Kamal Uddin, former BNP president of Achmita Union and ex-Union Parishad member from Katiadi, Kishoreganj-2; and Swechchhasebak Dal leader Azahar in Kanchan, Rupganj, Narayanganj.
Beyond political violence, a rise in muggings has intensified public concerns over personal safety. Residents report growing anxiety while travelling through isolated areas, public transport, and even busy commercial zones. Businesspeople and professionals say security risks after dark feel significantly higher than before, prompting several foreign embassies to advise heightened caution for their citizens.
Statistics and official reports
Police Headquarters data shows 144 violent incidents nationwide between December 12 and January 26, including 55 clashes, 11 cases of intimidation, six attacks on candidates, two incidents involving illegal weapons, 17 obstructions to campaign activities, eight attacks and arson targeting election offices, and 24 other incidents linked to various causes.
The Human Rights Culture Foundation (MSF), in a comparative analysis of December and January, reported a sharp deterioration in the overall human rights situation, describing it as “more complex, violent, and alarming.” Of 64 reported election-related incidents, 33 involved clashes between BNP and Jamaat, 13 stemmed from internal BNP conflicts, nine between BNP supporters and independent candidates, and one each involved Gono Odhikar Parishad, an independent candidate, and BNP versus NCP.
According to Ain o Salish Kendra, at least 75 clashes occurred in January alone, leaving 11 dead and 616 injured. From January 21 to January 31, following the start of campaigning, 51 clashes were recorded, resulting in at least four deaths and 414 injuries.
The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing said 274 election-related violent incidents over the 53 days from December 12 to 9:00 pm on February 1. By comparison, during the 10th national parliamentary election, from December 22, 2013, to January 4, 2014, 530 incidents were reported, resulting in 115 deaths and 315 injuries.
Of the 274 incidents in the current election period, 16 involved intimidation or aggressive behavior, 15 attacks on candidates, five murders, 89 clashes among rival candidate supporters, three incidents involving illegal weapons, nine cases of threats and coercion, 29 obstructions in campaigning, 20 attacks, vandalism or arson targeting election offices, 17 blockades or protests, one attack on minority communities, and 70 incidents of other types.
Expert analysis and authorities’ response
At a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on January 29, the chief adviser’s press secretary acknowledged the deaths but described the incidents as “undesirable” and claimed the overall election environment is better than during the previous government’s tenure.
Dhaka University Institute of Social Welfare and Research Associate Professor and crime expert Dr Md Touhidul Haque told Dhaka Tribune that rising violence stems from political rivalry, struggles for dominance, and extortion. “A lack of values among candidates and failure to view rivals as legitimate competitors are major drivers of electoral violence,” he said, urging law enforcement to act swiftly and evenly in conflict-prone areas to prevent further escalation.
Police Headquarters Additional Inspector General (Crime and Operation) Khandaker Rafiqul Islam told Dhaka Tribune that police are on round-the-clock alert to ensure a peaceful election and maintain law and order. Measures have been intensified to restore public confidence and security, with surveillance and operations targeting individuals or groups that may attempt to disrupt the polls. Many illegal weapons, including firearms looted from police stations, have already been recovered.
He added that police equipped with body-worn cameras will be deployed at high-risk polling centers for rapid response, and all election-related activities will be closely monitored from Police Headquarters. Officers have been instructed to reduce desk duties and increase their presence on the streets.
