MSF report shows rising concern over mob violence in June

The human rights situation in Bangladesh remained alarming in June as incidents of extrajudicial killings, custodial deaths, political violence, restrictions on freedom of expression, and violence against women and children continued across the country, rights group Manabadhikar Sanskriti Foundation (MSF) said in its monthly report today (30 June).

The MSF report also highlighted a concerning rise in mob violence which caused the highest number of deaths among all categories documented by the organisation.

The organisation, led by noted rights activist Advocate Sultana Kamal, expressed deep concern over the continued deterioration of human rights and called on the authorities to ensure political freedom, peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and equal rights for all citizens.

The monthly report was prepared based on incidents published in national and regional newspapers and online news portals between 1 June and 30 June 2025.

According to the report, one person was killed in a reported law enforcement shooting in the month.

Besides, two custodial deaths, including a woman and a middle-aged man, were reported at police stations. Families alleged that the deaths were due to police torture, but law enforcement claimed the individuals died from illnesses.

Five more deaths were reported in prison custody, including one by suicide and another allegedly due to torture, according to the victim's family.

These incidents took place in different prisons, including Dhaka, Brahmanbaria, Chattogram, and Chuadanga.

The report expressed concern over the increasing incidents of mob violence, which MSF blamed partly on the inaction of law enforcement agencies.

In June alone, 41 incidents of mob attacks were recorded, leaving 10 people dead and 47 injured. Most victims were accused of theft, robbery, rape, or having political affiliations.

MSF strongly condemned these unlawful acts and urged the authorities to ensure justice by identifying and prosecuting those responsible.

MSF documented 45 incidents of political violence in June, affecting 438 people — 8 were killed and 430 injured. Intra-party conflicts, especially within the BNP, were notably responsible for many of these incidents.

In 16 separate attacks carried out by miscreants, 21 political activists were injured and 4 were killed — all reportedly activists of Bangladesh Awami League, whose activities have been banned.

Besides, attacks on freedom of the press continued in June, though such incidents reduced this month compared to May. Around 32 journalists were assaulted, harassed, or threatened in 18 incidents while on professional duty in June. Some 101 journalists were victims of assault, harassment, or threats while performing their duties in May.

Seven incidents of violence against religious minorities were reported during the month of June.

These included four cases of temple vandalism, desecration of idols, looting, and arson. In three other incidents, four individuals from the Hindu community were arrested on allegations of making derogatory comments about religion, including a 66-year-old man and his son.

It said though the number of incidents slightly decreased in June compared to May, killings increased. A total of 363 incidents of violence against women and children were reported in June. These included 63 rapes, 17 gang rapes, and 4 cases where victims were raped and murdered. Among the victims were children, adolescents, and individuals with disabilities.

Despite assurances made during the 55th Director General-level meeting between BGB and India's BSF to reduce border killings to zero, two Bangladeshi nationals were reportedly killed by BSF firing in June.

Meanwhile, the continued "push-in" of people from India created panic along the border regions. Most of those pushed in were Bangladeshi nationals who had been living in India for years and now have no belongings or shelter in Bangladesh.

At the Myanmar border, landmine explosions injured four people within five days in the Naikhongchhari area of Bandarban, raising safety concerns among the local population.

Despite the government's efforts to amend the Cyber Security Act, misuse of the law continued. Four cases were filed in June, leading to the arrest of seven individuals, mostly for alleged objectionable content or misinformation shared via social media platforms.