Bangladesh faces rise in violence ahead of February 2026 elections: OMCT

Bangladesh is facing a rise in violence and pressure on civic space as the country moves toward parliamentary elections scheduled for February 2026, according to two international human rights organisations.

The World Organisation against Torture (OMCT) and the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) said the period of political transition has been marked by targeted killings, mob violence and attacks on media institutions, raising concerns about security and accountability.

The groups cited the fatal shooting of political activist Sharif Osman Bin Hadi and a series of mob assaults linked to informal groups operating under the banner of "Tawhidi Janata". They said these groups have used religious sentiment to justify attacks, including the killing of garment worker Dipu Chandra Das over religious allegations.

Media organisations have also been targeted. On Dec. 18, 2025, coordinated arson attacks were carried out against the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, two of Bangladesh's largest newspapers. Journalists were trapped inside the buildings during the attacks, according to the organisations.

OMCT and IRCT said the violence against media outlets has contributed to a shrinking civic space and a deterioration in safety for journalists. They warned that attacks carried out with impunity could have a chilling effect on freedom of expression ahead of the elections.

The organisations said physical attacks were preceded and amplified by online hate speech and explicit calls for violence on social media. Some of the messages were circulated or amplified by individuals with large public followings, creating what they described as a "clear and present danger".

Despite the installation of an interim government in August 2024, the groups said longstanding human rights violations have continued. They reported at least 11 extrajudicial killings between July and September 2025, and said torture and custodial deaths remain a concern.

The interim government has taken steps to address abuses, including ratifying the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT). Authorities have also initiated compensation for some victims and families affected by the July 2024 uprising, in which at least 1,400 people were killed.

However, human rights groups said many victims of the uprising still lack access to truth, accountability and rehabilitation. They described a "marked deterioration" in the human rights environment and said formal commitments must be followed by concrete implementation.

The organisations called for independent investigations into recent killings, the establishment of a National Preventive Mechanism as required under OPCAT, effective enforcement of the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention) Act, 2013, and comprehensive medical, psychological and legal support for survivors of torture.

They said failure to ensure accountability and protect media institutions risks undermining Bangladesh's democratic transition ahead of the February 2026 vote.