With the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for 12 February, Bangladesh is witnessing a marked rise in political violence, according to the Legal and Human Rights Support Centre (LHRSC). The organisation warns that as the election day approaches, the country’s political landscape and electoral environment are becoming increasingly turbulent and unsafe.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, LHRSC highlighted that political violence, fatalities, and injuries all surged in January compared to December 2025. During December, the country recorded 18 incidents of political violence, resulting in 4 deaths and 268 injuries. However, January saw a dramatic escalation, with 75 incidents, 11 deaths, and 616 injuries reported nationwide.
Breakdown of January Violence
Analysing the incidents by date, LHRSC noted a consistent upward trend in violent occurrences throughout January. The intensity of violence peaked after election campaigning officially began on 22 January. The details are summarised in the table below:
| Period | Number of Incidents | Fatalities | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–10 January | 8 | 5 | 26 |
| 11–20 January | 18 | 2 | 176 |
| 21–31 January | 49 | 4 | 414 |
| Total January | 75 | 11 | 616 |
The table clearly shows that the third ten-day period, coinciding with the start of election campaigning, experienced the highest surge in violence, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the month’s total incidents.
Journalists at Risk
The LHRSC report also highlighted that journalists covering political events are increasingly vulnerable. In December, 11 journalists were harassed or obstructed while performing their duties, but in January this number rose to 16, reflecting the heightened risk faced by media personnel in an unstable political climate.
LHRSC Statement
Expressing deep concern over the escalating violence, LHRSC called on all parties to demonstrate maximum tolerance and restraint. The organisation emphasised the importance of safeguarding citizens’ life and personal liberty, as enshrined in Article 32 of the Constitution of Bangladesh, and urged political actors to conduct their activities with respect for law and human rights.
LHRSC’s warning underscores a troubling trend: as the election draws near, political conflicts are intensifying, threatening not only public safety but also the ability of journalists to report freely. The organisation urged all stakeholders to prioritise peaceful conduct to ensure a secure and credible electoral process.