MSF: Rape, Mob Violence, and Unidentified Bodies on The Rise Due to Administrative Laxity of The Yunus Government

Staff Reporter

Dhaka, June 30, 2025: In the current month of June, the country has seen an alarming increase in incidents of rape, violence against women and children, casualties from mob violence, and the recovery of unidentified bodies. The deteriorating law and order situation has sparked fear among the public. A June report by the human rights organization Manabadhikar Sangskriti Foundation (MSF) highlights this grim picture.

The organization stated that the administrative inaction and irresponsibility of the interim government are among the primary reasons for the rise in these incidents.

In a report published on Monday, it was stated that the monthly report was prepared based on news published in over 20 national and regional newspapers and the organization’s own investigations.

MSF reported that in June, there were 363 incidents of violence against women and children in the country. Of these, 63 were cases of rape, 17 were gang rapes, and 4 involved murder following rape. The victims included disabled women and adolescent girls. Over a hundred additional incidents of physical assault, sexual harassment, and attempted rape were also mentioned.

Experts say that the slow response of law enforcement agencies, failure to take action against perpetrators, and a politically influenced administration are contributing to the daily rise in these incidents.

Mob violence incidents have increased at an alarming rate. In June, at least 41 mob violence incidents resulted in 10 deaths and 47 injuries. Many of these victims were targeted due to suspicions of robbery, theft, violence against women, or political affiliations.

Human rights activist and lawyer Shahdeen Malik commented,

“The government’s inaction and the administration’s hesitant role are fueling this kind of violence.”

He added,

“Internal conflicts within the administration and politically influenced decisions have led to people taking the law into their own hands due to a lack of justice. This is why mob violence is increasing. The government is not taking measures to control mobs.”

According to the report, 49 unidentified bodies were recovered in June, a grim indicator of social security concerns. Most of these bodies were found in rivers, drains, highways, or areas adjacent to railway lines. Many were found with slit throats, in sacks, or in bloodied conditions. In May, this number was 55.

MSF stated,

“Merely recovering bodies is not enough; identifying them and ensuring justice for the perpetrators is also the state’s responsibility.”

Yet, the administration’s silence and irresponsibility are making the situation even more complex.

The report further noted that incidents of mob violence against innocent people, particularly those labeled as belonging to the banned party or “Awami League supporters,” have increased. This clearly indicates that double standards in law enforcement and political biases are at play.

MSF’s Executive Director Saidur Rahman said,

“No one at the higher levels of the government is taking a clear stance on these issues. Instead, statements from those close to government advisors seem to legitimize mob justice as a pressure group. This is inciting injustice.”

MSF believes that the rise in crime is due to the loosening of administrative control during the interim government’s tenure. The organization stated that various criminal groups have become active following the fall of the Awami League government. The silence of the government and administration is emboldening criminals.