40 killed in mob violence in 2 months, 601 cases of violence against women recorded: MSF
Political violence remained equally intense, with 390 people injured in March and an additional 303 in April, bringing the total number of injuries resulting from political conflict to 693 within the two months
At least 40 people were killed in mob violence over the last two months, while 601 documented cases of violence against women and children were recorded during the same period, according to a report published by the Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF).
The MSF's monthly monitoring report for April 2026, released today (30 April), said incidents of violence against women and children rose from 289 in March to 312 in April.
According to the MSF report, 19 people were killed in mob violence in March this year, a figure that rose to 21 in April.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The number of injured also increased significantly, with 31 recorded in March and 49 in April, bringing the two-month total to 80.
The foundation noted that this persistent trend of "mob justice" and the high rate of violence against women are placing the country's overall security at risk.
Political violence remained equally intense, with 390 people injured in March and an additional 303 in April. This brings the total number of injuries resulting from political conflict to 693 within the two-month span.
Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation Secretary Saidur Rahman expressed concern over the findings, stating that "mobs and the state cannot function together."
He urged the government to take immediate and effective measures to curb mob violence through the strict application of law.
Saidur also criticised the current role of the police in addressing violence against women, suggesting that the minister of home affairs and other government actors must act swiftly to make the police force more proactive and follow stricter adherence to the law.
The monitoring report further highlighted a rise in harassment against journalists.
Incidents of assault, threats, and harassment involving media professionals rose from 30 in March to 46 in April this year.
Additionally, cases of legal harassment increased from seven to eight, with one journalist being arrested in April.
Regarding digital surveillance, the MSF report found that seven cases were filed under the Cyber Security Act during the March-April period.
A total of 33 individuals were accused in these cases, resulting in five arrests, the report added.
The Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation warned that the growing tendency of citizens to take the law into their own hands, coupled with the spread of violence against vulnerable groups, is exerting a negative impact on the national law and order situation.
