Political violence and killings continue to rise: 182 killed in 15 months

Staff Correspondent

Political violence has increased at an alarming rate across the country in the past 15 months. A total of 182 people have been killed during this period. Among the dead are 117 BNP members, 46 Awami League members, and leaders and activists of other organizations.

From September last year to November this year, there have been more than 1,100 violent incidents of killings. This represents an average of more than 11 political activists killed every month. In particular, Awami League leaders and activists are being tortured and killed by mobs with state support. This has also been condemned by international human rights organizations.

Analysts believe that the violence has been ongoing with weapons looted from more than 460 police stations and outposts across the country since August 5 last year.

From January to November this year, more than 800 violent incidents have killed 119 people and injured 7,042. Along with political violence, social crimes have also increased, which is increasing public fear.

This information is available from monthly crime reports from the police, hospitals, Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) and Human Rights Culture Foundation (MSF).

Sources involved in the investigation say that since many weapons looted from police stations have not yet been recovered, their illegal use is increasing. In the last 15 months, more than 75 people have been killed in 245 shooting incidents. The reasons for most of the killings are due to dominance, political disputes, clashes over rallies, disputes over committee formation, extortion and occupation of establishments.

Crime analysts say that crimes including murder, theft, robbery, and rape have increased across the country. The lack of effective action by law enforcement agencies is also complicating the situation.

Pappu Sheikh, a CNG autorickshaw driver, was shot dead in the capital’s Jurain. Zakir Hossain was stabbed to death by a robber in Jatrabari. Rocky, a grocery shopkeeper, was shot dead in Kamrangirchar.

Hasib Howlader and Fazle Rabbi were publicly hacked and shot dead in a courthouse in Khulna. Jubo Dal leader Golam Kibria was shot dead in Mirpur and Ismail Hossain was shot dead in Laldighi, Chittagong.

HRSS Executive Director Ijazul Islam said that the law and order situation in the country has become extremely fragile due to the increase in political violence and public killings.

According to data from the Police Headquarters, 39,936 cases of various crimes were filed from August last year to August this year—an average of about 3,072 per month.

DMP Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman said that the mystery of most of the murders has been solved and the investigation of the remaining cases is ongoing.

Home Affairs Advisor Lt. Gen. (retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said that crime is increasing due to political and social unrest, intolerance and moral decay.

MSF said the number of unidentified bodies recovered in November also increased—a total of 58 bodies were recovered, many of which were found in rivers, canals, roadsides, or abandoned places.

Police IGP Baharul Alam said that the police are continuing their maximum efforts to maintain the law and order situation.