Human Rights Situation Monitoring Report August 2024

manabadhikar shongskriti foundation (msf)

31 August, 2024
Since the beginning of this month, general students have formed an anti-discrimination
student movement in which college and university students and teenagers have been
observing various peaceful programs including road blockades and demonstrations in Dhaka
and outside Dhaka.
On August 5, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country. Common
people took to the streets to celebrate the victory. In the meantime, some people attacked,
vandalized and set fire to government and private establishments, houses of many leaders of
the government party including ministers and MPs from that afternoon. Many people entered
the Ganabhaban and National Assembly and created chaos. Whatever they get, they take
with them. Several media offices were also attacked in the capital Dhaka.
Apart from this, there have been several incidents of attacks on the homes of minorities and
attacks on their places of worship. According to media reports, such incidents have taken
place in 37 districts which pose a serious threat to the safety of minorities. There have been
12 incidents of arson attacks on the religious minority Hindu community. On the other hand, in
129 incidents, houses, temples were looted and vandalized. Ahmadiyya Mosque, Jamia
(Theological School) and Jalsa Gah (Annual Conference Ground) of Ahmadiyya community in
Panchagarh Ahmadiyya, Ahmadiyya community's worship places at Taraganj of Rangpur and
houses, business establishments of Ahmadiyya community at Shyamnagar of Satkhira have
also been vandalized, arson and premises and land occupied. 20 people were injured in all
these incidents.
During any political transition, religious and ethnic minorities are the victims of attacks,
minorities flee their homes many flee the country. A section of opportunists indulge in such
despicable and reprehensible activities.
On August 5, after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country, police
clashed with agitators in different parts of the country centered around the anti-discrimination
student movement. In this, police stations and outposts were attacked, vandalized and set on
fire. The local public ransacked the Enayetpur police station of Sirajganj and thrashed 14
policemen to death. Also, many police personnel were killed in clashes with the police at
several places. Most of the police stations in the country are essentially closed and policemen
do not dare to come to the police stations. Later, at one stage, out of 639 police stations in the
country, 538 police stations were able to start operations. Out of this, 84 out of 110 police
stations in different metropolitan areas and 454 police stations out of 529 police stations in the
district can be started. Which is a positive development for public safety. It is the responsibility
of the state to ensure the safety and security of every citizen.
After a long period of autocratic rule, Bangladesh has got the opportunity to move towards a
new future through the victory of the anti-discrimination movement. Every citizen should take
forward this achievement gracefully. We have to forget all the old disputes, divisions, party
rivalries and once again move on the path of peace. For this, the safety of everyone's life and
property must be ensured. Because people don't want any more violence or destruction. The
victory of the movement has already been achieved at the cost of more than a thousand lives.
Among the injured, more than 500 students and common people are still undergoing
treatment in hospitals with serious injuries. Many agitators are crippled and living helpless
lives.
Towards the end of the movement, an indefinite curfew was imposed, the internet on mobile
phones and Facebook and WhatsApp were suspended, and a three-day general holiday was
declared. On the other hand, despite the non-cooperation of the students, the office-court
remained closed, curfew was issued after the students' call for 'Long March to Dhaka'.
Although the government promised to be flexible, it actually planned to suppress the
movement by force, which turned a non-violent movement into a bloody struggle. At the same
time, the manner in which 13 policemen and 6 Awami League leaders and workers in
Narsingdi were killed in one police station in Sirajganj is terrible. In this situation, it is not
expected that the environment of the country will be normalized quickly. Everyone has only
one hope - the conflict will end; peace will come to the country. We all have to find a way out
of this situation. In this case, the past lesson should be kept in consideration.
The table below shows the comparative statistics of human rights violations in the last two
months.
Comparative statistics of Violent Incidents for the month of July 2024 and August 2024:
Total Total
Subject Type July 2024 August 2024
Event Event
Case 264 -
Anti-Discrimination Defendant 213000 -
Student Movement Arrested - 2856 1254 (Approx)
Related Programs injured 6700(Approx) 26300(Approx)
Killed 253 556
Ex-government sued over Case - 268
killings and violence after Defendant (named) - - 26264
government collapse Defendant (unknown) - 168555
case - -
arrested - -
Political violence 10 23
injured 29 195
killed 4 9
case - -
Post election violence injured 3 3 - -
killed 1 -
killed 2 -
Gunfights with law
shot 1 - - -
enforcement
detention - -
Death in Custody 1 -
Law enforcement
Death while fleeing in fear 2 1 1 -
agencies
Injured by torture - 1
Jail custody Death 2 7
Violence against Torture , Assault , Injury ,
14 21 14 37
journalists Threats and harassment
Use and Misuse of Case 4 2
Digital/Cyber Security Arrested 4 1 2 1
Act Accused 7 10
Unidentified body Recovery 33 29
Killed 6 3
Shot 5 3
9 7
Border Situation Torture 1 -
Captured by BSF 1 8
Idol Vandalism / temple
1 129
broken theft
Minority oppression Rape attempt / Attack 3 160
- 3
torture
Eviction 6 20
Rape 41 19
Gang rape 13 8
Rape and murder 1 2
Attempt to rape 15 9
Sexual Harassment 18 13
Violence against
Physical torture 263 22 138 14
women and children
Acid throw 1 -
Suicide 52 22
murder 67 41
Illegal Arbitration 2 -
Newborn Rescue 12 2
killed 4 20
Mass Beating 6 20
injured 2 4
Details
Casualties in the anti-discrimination student movement
The protest movement spread across the country when students and general public across
the country expressed solidarity with the common students of the university under the banner
of anti-discrimination student movement. This month has seen unprecedented aggressive and
unimaginable use of force by law enforcement agencies to quell protests. As a result of this
oppressive action of the state, violence became widespread. The number of casualties among
the protesters continued to rise. As a result, there was great anger among the students and
the general public. Under the banner of the anti-discrimination student movement, the quota
reform movement took the form of a one-phase movement. And that is the resignation of the
Prime Minister. The protest movement became extreme. In the meantime, along with the law-
and-order forces, the activists of the ruling party organized brutal attacks on innocent students
in the name of suppressing the movement, which created extreme tension among the
students and the general public. BGB was deployed across the country. The number of
casualties continued to rise. In order to cover up the dead youths and children, the
government blamed the injured and dead person by setting up fire on government vehicles
and properties.
The common citizens have seen how a solvable problem can be escalated by the ruling
party's irrational and insensitive response and irresponsible talk about quota system. At the
same time, their provocative behavior, intolerance, arrogance, indifference to citizens and
unaccountable governance were also noticeable in their public speech.
According to msf statistics available from media sources, more than 556 people have died this
month in law enforcement shootings, clashes and other forms of violence centered around the
anti-discrimination student movement. Among the dead people are students, women,
children, leaders and activists of various political parties and people of various classes and
professions. An estimated 253 people were killed last month. At least 809 people were killed
across the country from July 1 to August 31. The United Nations High Commissioner for
Human Rights claims that, at least 650 Bangladeshis lost their lives in the protests and
subsequent violence from July 16 to August 11. So far more than 33 thousand have been
injured.
After the fall of the Awami League government in this month, the way in which cases are
being filed in the name of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ministers and activists of the
Awami League government due to the killings and violence appears to be a continuation of
the previous government. After the arrest of an accused, his security is the responsibility of
the members of the law enforcement agencies. They are showing failure in fulfilling that
responsibility. For one thing, no matter who files the case, the accused remains anonymous.
Law enforcement can arrest anyone as a suspect. As a result, many innocent people or
accused may suffer and create a sense of insecurity in the public mind which can have a
negative impact on the society as a whole.
On August 20, former minister and one of the joint general secretaries of Awami League Dipu
Moni was assaulted in the court premises. Earlier, the lawyers who wanted to stand on behalf
of the former Law Minister Anisul Haque and adviser to the Prime Minister on Private Industry
and Investment Mr. Salman F. Rahman were also assaulted in the court. Retired Supreme
Court Appellate Division Judge Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik was severely beaten and
humiliated while being taken to the court in Sylhet. Such behavior is undesirable in the
judiciary. Especially when the work of reforming the state is going on after the mass uprising
of the students.
According to msf statistics available from media sources in August 2024, 268 cases have
been lodges against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Awami League government
ministers, MP’s and activists in August 2024. Out of which 100 cases have been lodged
against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Out of these, two cases of genocide, one of
disappearance, one of kidnapping and two attempted murder cases and the rest are murder
cases. Apart from this, 7 cases have been lodged against her in the International Criminal
Tribunal.
About 26,268 people were named and at least 1 lakh 68 thousand 5 hundred and 55 people
were unnamed accused in the total cases filed.
The msf urges the authorities concerned to ensure justice for those who were martyred,
injured or affected in any way during the anti-discrimination movement, but urges the
concerned authorities to be careful that it is done in a legal way.
Disappearance/ Abduction in the identity of law enforcement agencies
The mischief that is going on in the name of abduction in the name of law enforcers is wrong,
abuse of power, gross violation of human rights. Which is very worrying and creating extreme
anxiety in the lives of the citizens and lack of confidence in the law enforcement agencies.
According to information published in various media and collected by the msf, one person was
abducted in August in the identity of law enforcement agency.
In a written complaint to the capital's Pallabi police station, victim’s brother–in-law Lieutenant
Colonel Tarek Hossain Bhuia said that car dealer Aslam Serniabat was returning home after
meeting a lawyer in Mirpur on August 29 at around 11:30 p.m. Some men wearing army
uniforms signaled Aslam's car to stop under the Kalshi flyover. When the driver stopped the
car, they wanted to know if Aslam was in the car and asked Aslam to get down from the car.
When Aslam got down from the car, a person in civilian clothes took two mobile phones from
Aslam's hand. After that, they took Aslam in a car and took him away quickly.
Victims of political violence
Even though there was no political program in August, like-minded organizations including
BNP took to the streets under the banner of the anti-discrimination student movement,
supporting the general students' quota reform movement and later the Prime Minister's
resignation. As a result, the overall situation continues to deteriorate. In addition to arresting
BNP's top leaders and activists, the ruling party Awami League also later had incidents of
violence and clashes due to infighting among themselves. Aggressive behavior of the police
has created a fearful atmosphere in the public mind.
According to the msf statistics available from media sources, 204 people were victims of
violence in 23 incidents of political violence in August 2024. Among them 9 people were killed
and 195 people were injured. Out of 23 incidents of violence, 12 incidents occurred due to
BNP infight, 9 BNP-Awami League clash, 1 Awami League conflict and 1 other incident
occurred between BNP and Jamaat. Among those killed, 6 were supporters of BNP and 3
were supporters of Awami League.
A BNP supporter named Zahurullah Mia was killed in a clash between Awami League and
BNP in Bhairab of Kishoreganj on August 7.
On August 06 and 07, two youth activists Sabuj Akand (32) and Jasim Uddin (34) were killed
in separate incidents related to dominance in Gafargaon, Mymensingh.
Awami League leader Sirajul Islam alias Chana (50) was killed in a clash between Awami and
BNP over dominance of a local market in Rajnagar of Moulvibazar on August 9.
On August 11, BNP worker Ramzan Ali (70) was beaten to death in Manda, Naogaon, by the
workers-supporters of the rival Awami League.
On August 13, BNP leader Anisur Rahman Anis (45) was shot dead by a Jubo League leader
following a dispute over dominance in Gandaria of the capital.
It has been alleged that the supporters of BNP took Babar Ali (50) from his house in Bogra
and cut his throat and killed him.
On August 24, a pro-Awami UP member named Abdullah Al Mamun (40) was hacked to
death in an Awami-BNP clash in Asannagar village of Kushtia Sadar Upazila.
Torture in law enforcement custody
The police arrested Abdul Karim Mukta and brought him to the police station in a case filed at
Noakhali Sudharam Model Police Station during the anti-discrimination student movement on
July 19. When Mina's nephew went to the police station to see his uncle, the police arrested
him and physically tortured him. When his family members went to meet him, the policemen
demanded a bribe of two lakh taka from them. As he could not pay the bribe money, he was
accused in a case and sent to court. Apart from this, SI Kamal Hossain collected Tk 20,000
from them on the condition of not applying for remand.
Death in Jail custody and Jail circumstances
According to the msf statistics available from media sources, in August 2024, news of 7
deaths in prison custody was published. Last month its number was 2 people. In this month, 3
under trail prisoner and 4 convicted prisoners died. 2 people died in Dhaka Central Jail in
Keraniganj, 2 people in Kashimpur Central Jail, 1 person in Jhenaidah District Jail, 1 person
died in a clash between inmates in Rangpur Central Jail. The hanging body of 1 prisoner was
found in the toilet of Sirajganj District Jail.
In addition, after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in the anti-discriminatory
movement, the inmates in several prisons revolted. Incidents such as casualties occurred
when the prison authorities and the army took swift action to suppress all these rebellions.
Gazipur District Jail, Jamalpur District Jail and Kashimpur High Security Central Jail are
notable among them. According to data collected by the msf, at least 13 prisoners were killed
and 19 others were injured in the crackdown.
The msf believes that, in addition to improving medical conditions inside prisons, it is
important to properly investigate the causes of deaths in custody.
Right to journalism and expression
The manner in which journalists are subjected to physical, mental and legal harassment,
attacks, threats and abuse is not only undesirable but also prevents the publication of
objective news by suppressing the voice of honest journalism. This month too, the picture of
human rights violations in the field of journalism is alarming.
According to msf statistics available from media sources, 37 journalists were tortured in
different ways while performing their professional duties in different districts of the country in
14 incidents in August. Among them, 35 journalists were injured and assaulted while
performing their professional duties and 2 journalists were harassed and threatened. There
are 2 women journalists among the victims of torture. They are Channel 24's Satkhira District
Correspondent Amina Bilkis Maina and photojournalist SM Tamanna of the daily Aam Saham
Patrika. Meanwhile, the body of a woman journalist named Rahanuma Sarah (32) was
recovered from Hatirjheel Lake in the capital. She was the newsroom editor of private
television GTV.
Out of the 14 incidents of this month, 10 incidents involved miscreants, 1 Awami League, 1
BNP, 1 Ansar member and 1 government official.
Journalist killed and tortured while collecting news of anti-discrimination student
movement
Since the beginning of this month, violence has spread across the country centered around
anti-discrimination student movements. One journalist was killed and 28 others were injured
while collecting news about the incident. Among them, only on August 4, a journalist named
Pradeep Kumar Bhowmik was killed in Sirajganj during the non-cooperation program of the
anti-discrimination student movement and 23 journalists were injured in different districts
including the capital Dhaka. Among the injured, 3 journalists were shot. Besides, on August
05, house of journalist Jawad Nirjhar in Magura, journalist Sanjit Saha in Pabna, journalist
Ibrahim Khalil in Cox's Bazar and journalist Md. Taimur Farooq of Sirajganj was attacked and
vandalized.
Cases and arrests against journalists in violence caused by anti-discrimination student
movement and subsequent violence
So far, 8 cases have been lodged against journalists in connection with the casualties during
the anti-discrimination student movement and the subsequent violence. 25 journalists have
been accused in the case. Out of the 8 cases, 3 murder cases have been filed in Dhaka, 1
murder case in Bogra, 1 case in Sylhet under Explosives Act, 2 cases in Rangpur of which
one is a murder case and the other is vandalism in BNP office in Pirganj, and 1 case has
been filed in Rajshahi under Extortion and Cyber Security Act. Two of the accused, journalists
Shakeel Ahmed and Farzana Rupa, have been arrested. Also, on August 29, lawyer MH Gazi
Tamim filed a complaint with the investigation agency against Sheikh Hasina and 52 people
including 32 senior journalists on the charge of genocide during the students' agitation in July.
On the same day, a man named Abdur Razzak filed a complaint against 30 journalists for
genocide in the student movement at the International Criminal Tribunal. He is the father of
martyred Rian.
The family of Nayeem Howlader, 17, a student who was shot dead in the capital's Jatrabari on
August 22, has filed a case accusing seven journalists including former Prime Minister Sheikh
Hasina. The accused journalists are - Ekattar TV Managing Director Mozammel Babu, Ekattar
TV's former news chief Syed Ishtiaq Reza, Zaham TV managing director and CEO Ahmed
Zobair, ATN News' former news chief Munni Saha, Ekattar TV principal correspondent
Farzana Rupa, Ekattar TV's sacked head of news. Shakeel Ahmed and former Prime
Minister's Press Secretary Naeemul Islam Khan.
On August 26, Sadikur Rahman Saki, the Sylhet representative of Channel I and Radio
Today, was charged in a case under the Explosives Act in Sylhet.
Three journalists were accused in a murder case in Bogra on August 27. They are
Independent TV's northern correspondent Hasibur Rahman Bilu, daily Janakantha's Bogra
correspondent Mahamudul Alam Nayan and daily Kalerkantha's district correspondent JM
Rauf.
The msf believes that how journalists are hindered in carrying out their professional
responsibilities is undesirable and an attack on transparency, democracy, freedom of speech,
and media freedom, in addition to stifling the voice of objective and honest journalism. It is the
responsibility and authority of the government to ensure the proper safety of journalists to
protect and ensure the freedom of journalism and expression.
Use/misuse of the Cyber Security Act and Digital Security Act.
Just as the use and misuse of digital security laws created insecurity in the public mind in the
name of digital security, the cyber security acts are also acting as a tool to create harassment,
threats, fear and insecurity among cyber media users. However, the interim government
announced the repeal of the Cyber Security Act after assuming power. According to
information published in the media and collected by the msf, one person has been arrested in
one of the two cases under the Cyber Security Act this month, four journalists and five
unidentified people were accused in the other case.
On August 27, Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP Joint Convener Bajlul Haque lodged a case
against 4 journalists at Rajshahi's Boalia police station for making defamatory comments on
social media and electronic media about BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Tarek Rahman.
The accused journalists in this case are Kaler Kantha's Rajshahi Bureau Chief and Rajshahi
Journalist Union President Rafiqul Islam, Gazi Television's own Rajshahi representative and
Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Joint Secretary General Rashed Ripon, daily
Kartowa Rajshahi correspondent Rozina Sultana and local daily Upachar newspaper
journalist Ali Sagar.
A person named Liton Chandra Das (45) has been arrested on the charge of spreading
malicious insults about Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) on Facebook in Dirai of Sunamganj.
It is a dangerous act to obstruct people's right to express their opinions through the arbitrary
use of this law, to intimidate and silence everyone's mouth.
Border killings and casualties
The border killings and tortures are not stopping because the Indian Border Security Force
(BSF) is not taking effective steps to stop the killings and tortures at the border but are
continuing to happen. According to the msf statistics available from media sources, 3
Bangladeshi citizens were killed and 3 Bangladeshi citizens were injured by firing by BSF on
the border in August 2024. On the other hand, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has
detained 8 Bangladeshi nationals.
On August 11, a Bangladeshi named Abdullah was killed in firing by the Indian Border
Security Force (BSF) at Wahedpur border in the Chapainawabganj.
On August 23, a Bangladeshi national named Ishaq Ali Khan Panna was killed by BSF firing
while climbing the Shillong hills in Meghalaya while fleeing to India.
On August 29, an unidentified Bangladeshi national was killed in firing by the Indian Border
Security Force (BSF) in 7S Pillar area of 342, the Fakirganj border, Pirganj, Thakurgaon.
On August 1, two Bangladeshi youths were shot by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) in
Shikaria border area of Prithimpasa Union of Kulaura Upazila of Moulvibazar.
On August 10, the Indian Border Guard Force (BSF) fired at Kotpara border area of
Amjankhor Union in Baliadangi Upazila of Thakurgaon. A young man named Naeem (25) was
injured.
On August 18, BSF abducted five Bangladeshis from Jamalpur border area in Kushtia's
Daulatpur.
On August 28, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) arrested three Bangladeshi nationals
from the international border area in Tripura.
The msf believes that the government's failure to respond to and address border casualties
continues to raise questions in the public mind.
Violence on minorities
After the resignation and departure of the Prime Minister of the then government on August 5,
2024, according to the msf statistics available from media sources, religious and ethnic
minority communities were attacked in 37 districts and their houses, temples, monasteries,
looted, vandalized and arson occurred in 148 cases. Among them, 141 incidents of attacks on
religious minorities and 7 incidents of violence against ethnic minorities. Incidents of attacks
on the ethnic minority Santals and Orang communities took place in Rajshahi, Naogaon,
Dinajpur, Thankurga and Chapainbabganj. Most of these attacks are related to land grabbing.
Moreover, the sculptures of Sidhu and Kanu, one of the two heroes of Santal rebellion, were
broken in Dinajpur.
Among the attacks on the religious minority Hindu community, 12 incidents involved arson.
On the other hand, there were 129 incidents of looting and vandalism of houses, temples
monasteries and business establishments. Also, a Hindu housewife (35) was raped in Tala
upazila of Satkhira. Among them, Ahmadiyya Mosque, Jamia (Theological School) and Jalsa
Gahe (Annual Conference Ground) of Ahmadiyya community in Panchagarh, Ahmadiyya
community's worship place at Taraganj of Rangpur and houses and businesses of Ahmadiyya
community at Shyamnagar of Satkhira are vandalized and set into fire. At least, 20 people
were injured in all these incidents.
Religious and ethnic minorities are the victims of any political change, minorities flee their
homes in the face of attacks, many emigrate again. Many people want to identify this incident
of attack on minorities as political. It is a culture of making excuses to ignore the real facts. It
is not possible to objectively verify how many of the attacks on the religious minority Hindu
community were based on religious identity, and how many were attacks on those close to the
government as part of anger. Meanwhile, there is a debate about the attacks on minorities
and the reasons behind the attacks, but the fear and terror that Hindus are living in in various
places cannot be denied.
Violence against women and children
According to the msf statistics available from media sources, violence against women and
children in the country in August 2024 such as; Incidents of rape, gang-rape, sexual
harassment, suicide, domestic violence and physical torture have decreased compared to
previous months, but it is alarming. The strong action that law enforcement agencies are
supposed to take against violence against women and children is not visible.
According to the msf statistics, 138 cases of violence against women and children took place
this month, which is 127 less than last month. In this month there were 19 cases of rape, 8
cases of gang rape, 2 cases of rape and murder. Among them, 3 disabled children and
teenagers were raped.
It should be noted that out of 19 rape victims, there are 2 children, 6 teenage girls, on the
other hand, 2 teenage girls and 6 women were gang rape victims, 1 child and 1 teenage girl
were victims of rape and murder. 9 cases of attempted rape, 13 cases of sexual harassment,
and 14 cases of physical torture have occurred. At this time, 2 children, 5 teenagers and 15
women committed suicide. 1 child and 1 girl were abducted this month while 2 children, 2 girls
and 2 women are missing. Also, in the month of August, 1 child, 2 teenage girls and 4 women
died unnaturally, and a total of 41 children, teenagers and women were killed. Out of which
there are 20 children and teenagers. According to the information received from media
sources, these murders were committed due to revenge, family dispute, dowry, love affair,
and pride etc. This month 2 dead newborn babies were found in abandoned places which is
inhumane and reprehensible. The concerned authorities are not trying to determine why all
these children are being found abandoned.
Unidentified body recovered
In August 2024, an unidentified body was recovered in the same sequence. Although the
number has decreased compared to last month. The issue of recovery of unidentified bodies
is strongly reflecting the insecurity of public life. According to the msf statistics available from
media sources, in August, 2024, 1 juvenile, 1 female and 19 males, a total of 21 unidentified
bodies were recovered from different parts of the country. On the other hand, the bodies of 8
unidentified people killed in the anti-discrimination student movement are lying in Dhaka
Medical College Hospital. A total of 29 unidentified dead bodies were unwanted and a major
cause of insecurity in civilian life. Except for two-four cases, the identity of all the bodies
remains unknown. Which is very dangerous, undesirable and a threat to the security of civil
life. Last month its number was 33. Most of these unidentified bodies are found floating in
rivers or ponds, along highways or roads, under bridges and along railway lines. The dead
bodies of several people were recovered from the side of the railway line with their hands and
feet tied and floating in the abandoned area and in two pieces. There are 1 15-year-old boy, 1
female 50-year-old, 11 youth aged 20-30, 6 middle-aged men 31 to 40 and 2 elderly people
above 50 years of age.
The msf believes that responsibility does not end with the mere fact that an unidentified dead
body has been recovered. No matter how powerful those involved in these incidents are, the
state needs to ensure the punishment of all the criminals, but the police are not showing much
interest in that matter.
Mass Beating
According to the msf statistics available from media sources, in August, 2024, there was an
alarming increase in the number of lynchings due to the absence or inaction of law
enforcement agencies. The incident of mass beating is creating a kind of unrest among the
common people of the society. According to the msf statistics, there have been at least 20
incidents of mass beatings this month, in which 20 people were killed and 4 seriously injured.
3 people have been arrested. A total of 20 people were killed in the lynching. Of these
incidents 4 incidents took place on suspicion of robbery, 6 on suspicion of theft, 4 on robbery,
3 on gang rape, 1 for having local weapon in plumber’s bag , 1 on extortion and 1 on an
opponent. 4 people were killed in 6 mob lynching’s incident in July. The msf believes that
lynching in contempt of the law must be a criminal offense which amounts to extrajudicial
killings. It is the responsibility of the law enforcement agencies to take legal action against
those involved in mob lynching.
On August 7, Mahbub Alam (25), a youth who attacked students controlling traffic in the
Gouripur Bazar area of the Daudkandi, Comilla, was killed in a lynching.
On August 8, a robber died in mob thrashing after arresting him during a robbery on the street
adjacent to the Jambaria Degree College in the Chapainawabganj's Bholahat Upazila.
On August 10, a man named Raihan Ali was killed in a mob beating at Durlabhpur in Shibganj
upazila of Chapainawabganj.
On August 11, two people were beaten to death while snatching an easybike in Nowshandighi
area of Auliapur union of Dinajpur Sadar upazila.
On August 13, two youths were beaten to death on suspicion of snatching a bus in front of a
filling station in Tongi Bazar area of the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in Gazipur.
On August 13, a man named Wazir Ali (36) was thrashed to death on suspicion of being a
thief in Lakshmipur village of Nazirpur union in Gurdaspur upazila of Natore.
On August 13, Rasib Akon (20), a tubewell worker in Chaumatha area of Barisal Nagar, was
thrashed on his way home after work when a gun was found in his bag while searching his
bag. Rasib Akon was seriously injured and died before being taken to the hospital, the doctor
on duty said.
On August 14, Sayeed Arafat Sharif, 20, Saidul Islam Yasin, 19, and another unidentified
youth were allegedly beaten to death by a mob in the capital's Sayedabad area.
On August 17, a young man named Sajjad Hossain (21) was picked up and beaten to death
by a mob overnight in Kolatali area of Cox's Bazar town on the charge of stealing cows.
On August 17, a young man named Sumon Halder (30) was beaten to death by a mob while
he was stealing at Jallah in Ujirpur upazila of Barishal district.
On August 18, a thief named Farooq was killed by a mob on charges of theft in Mirzapur
village of Ramchandrapur South Union of Muradnagar Upazila of Comilla.
On August 20, a person named Mujibur Rahman (50) was killed in the lynching at Savar bus
stand area.
On August 21, a member of the dacoit gang was seriously injured in the lynching at Rajair in
Madaripur and died while undergoing treatment at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical
College Hospital in Faridpur.
On August 26, in Kaliganj of Gazipur, the accused in the murder case, Sardar Rimon, an
inter-district dacoit, was killed in a lynching.
On August 27, an elderly man named Hebzu Mia (60) was beaten to death by a mob in
Akhaura of Brahmanbaria on charge of stealing a mobile phone.
On August 28, a man named Zayed Mia (28) was beaten to death by a mob in Kulaura of
Moulvibazar.

Sources: Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, NewAge, Kaler Kantho, Jugantar, Sangbad,
Janakontho, Amader Somoy, Bangladesh Pratidin, Daily Manabzamin, Somokal, Ittefaq, Ajker
Patrika, Dhaka Tribune, BD News 24, Bangladesh Journal, Jaijaidin, Jagonews24. The above
report has been prepared based on the news published in News, Sara Bangla, Pressman and
other national dailies. Moreover, almost every incident has been verified by local human rights
defenders. It should be noted here that this report has been prepared on the basis of the
events that took place from August 1, 2024 to August 31, 2024
Advocate Saidur Rahman
Chief Executive, msf

Note: This press release was published in the national dailie, Ajker Potrika, Prothom Alo, The
Daily Star, 24 newspaper, Zoombangla, Bangla news 24, Protidener Bangladesh, Kalbela,
Daily Partoduth, Kaler Kotha, Independent, zerohour24, Bangladsh Protiden, MT news 24,
Khobor Sanjog, Bangladesh Bulletin, Jagonews24, Etc.