Mob violence deaths doubled in January compared to December: MSF

Mob violence claimed the lives of 21 people in January 2026, double the number recorded in December 2025, according to a report by human rights organisation Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF).

The victims were killed over a range of allegations and disputes, including robbery, theft, murder accusations, extramarital disputes, verbal altercations, extortion, and drug-related activities.

The report also documented 26 people seriously injured, while 17 victims were handed over to police while still wounded.

MSF stressed that killings carried out by mobs constitute a criminal offence and amount to extrajudicial killings.

Election related violence

MSF recorded 64 incidents of election-related violence across the country in January, most involving clashes between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami supporters.

These incidents caused four deaths and 509 injuries, making election violence one of the most severe human rights crises of the month.

Of the 64 incidents, 33 involved BNP-Jamaat clashes, 13 occurred within BNP, and nine involved clashes between BNP and independent candidate supporters.

Other incidents involved groups such as the Gono Odhikar Parishad, National Citizen Party, and Awami League supporters.

Political violence

Outside of election-related clashes, 24 incidents of political violence injured 215 people in January. Six fatalities occurred, all BNP activists or supporters.

In addition, 10 people died of unnatural causes linked to political tensions, including fires during disputes.

Deaths in custody

MSF also raised concerns about prison conditions, reporting 15 deaths in custody during January, compared with nine in December. Four were convicts and 11 were remand prisoners, including five Awami League activists.

Deaths occurred across Dhaka Central Jail, Kashimpur Central Jail, and several district jails, with all prisoners dying in hospitals outside the prison facilities.

At Meherpur Jail, a convict named Nayon reportedly suffered repeated beatings while blindfolded by on-duty guards.

MSF stated that although legal provisions prohibit physical abuse of prisoners, multiple recently released inmates alleged severe torture.

Human rights crisis

MSF's January data highlights a disturbing increase in mob killings, political unrest, and custodial deaths.

The doubling of mob violence deaths reflects weak institutional justice, declining public trust in law enforcement, and heightened social tensions, the organisation said.

The increase in election-related and political violence suggests that the upcoming national elections could face significant security and human rights challenges.

MSF has called for stronger law enforcement, transparent judicial processes, and improved prison oversight to curb extrajudicial killings and safeguard citizens' rights.