Poll-related violence over four months leaves 10 dead, 2,503 injured: HRSS

At least 10 people were killed and more than 2,503 injured in over 700 incidents of election-related violence across the country over the past four and a half months, according to a report by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS).

The information was disclosed at a press conference held at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club in Dhaka today (15 February).

The report covers the period from October 2025 to 14 February 2026 and is based on data collected from 15 national dailies, more than 150 local newspapers, and district correspondents, HRSS said.

More than 34 people were shot during the period. Over 500 houses, vehicles, business establishments, election offices, and polling centres were vandalised, looted, or set on fire.

Many of the incidents stemmed from intra-party rivalries, clashes between supporters of nominated and deprived candidates, attacks on voters, obstruction of voting, ballot box snatching, violence against women, and arson, the report said.

From the announcement of the election schedule until 11 February, at least 254 incidents were recorded, leaving 1,650 people injured and five killed.

During that period, more than 24 people were shot, while over 200 houses, vehicles, business establishments, election offices, and polling centres were attacked.

Situation on polling day

HRSS said polling day was largely peaceful without major bloodshed, although isolated attacks and clashes were reported in several areas.

At least 393 criminal incidents related to the election were recorded across most districts. These included disorder at polling centres, ballot stuffing, expulsion of polling agents, and clashes among supporters of different candidates.

The highest number of incidents was reported in Barishal and Rajshahi divisions, while Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions recorded comparatively fewer disturbances.

No deaths were reported in election-related clashes on the day, the organisation said.

HRSS recorded 149 incidents of disorder at voting centres and 105 clashes among rival supporters, leaving 145 people injured.

There were 59 incidents of ballot stuffing, 19 cases of polling agents being expelled, and 13 instances of negligence by officials on duty.

The organisation also reported 18 cases of voters being obstructed from entering centres, six incidents of candidates being assaulted, three cases of ballot boxes being snatched, two incidents of arson, and 31 other disturbances.

In addition, 50 people were arrested, 13 presiding and polling officers were withdrawn, and 55 cases resulted in jail terms or fines. Five journalists were injured, voting was cancelled at three centres and 64 incidents of AI-generated misinformation were recorded.

Post-election violence

Although the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum were largely peaceful, violence broke out in different parts of the country after the results were announced, leaving three people dead and more than 300 injured, HRSS said.

The victims included one person in Munshiganj, one in Bagerhat, and a child in Haluaghat of Mymensingh.

The organisation alleged that a 32-year-old mother of three was raped and physically assaulted in Chhannandi union of Hatia upazila in Noakhali over voting for the "Shapla Koli" symbol.

In at least 30 districts – including Munshiganj, Mymensingh, Bagerhat, Patuakhali, Faridpur, Pabna, Jhenaidah, Sirajganj, Rangpur, Panchagarh, Natore, Netrokona, Narail, Chattogram, Kushtia, Satkhira, Noakhali, Kurigram, Narayanganj, Feni, Jhalakathi, Chuadanga, Pirojpur and Chandpur – more than 300 people were injured in over 200 separate clashes among supporters of BNP, Jamaat, and independent candidates.

At least 350 offices, business establishments, and houses were vandalised, looted, or set on fire, it added.

Attacks on women campaigners

HRSS said that although the number of female candidates was low, women's participation in campaign activities increased significantly.

However, violence and harassment targeting women also increased during the campaign period.

From the announcement of the election schedule until 14 February, at least 45 women were subjected to harassment in 32 incidents, while 23 were injured.

Of those harassed, 39 were supporters of Jamaat, and one was affiliated with Islami Andolan Bangladesh. The political identity of five others could not be confirmed.

The report alleged that in 31 of the 32 incidents, leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organisations, as well as supporters of independent candidates, were involved. One incident was linked to Jamaat.