Bangladesh Grapples with Escalating Political Violence Ahead of Crucial Elections
As Bangladesh prepares for its 13th National Parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12, a disturbing surge in political violence and targeted attacks on journalists has cast a shadow over the electoral process. According to a recent report by the human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), the pre-poll period has been marred by a sharp increase in unrest, raising serious questions about the fairness and safety of the upcoming vote.
Alarming Spike in Violence and Casualties
The ASK report reveals that between February 1 and 10, a total of 58 incidents of political violence were recorded across the country. These incidents resulted in two tragic deaths and left 489 people injured. This marks a significant escalation from the final 10 days of January, which saw 49 violent events leading to four fatalities and 414 injuries.
Earlier data further underscores this troubling trend. From January 1 to 10, ASK documented eight incidents that caused five deaths and 26 injuries. Between January 11 and 20, the violence intensified with 18 incidents resulting in two deaths and 176 injuries. Comparing monthly totals, December 2025 recorded 18 incidents of political violence with 268 injuries and 4 deaths, while January 2026 witnessed a dramatic rise to 75 incidents, leaving 616 people injured and 11 killed.
Journalists Under Siege as Press Freedom Erodes
In a particularly concerning development, ASK has highlighted the growing targeting of journalists covering election-related stories. The organization's review found that attacks on media professionals have escalated rapidly: 11 journalists were assaulted in December 2025, 16 in January 2026, and at least 47 in just the first 10 days of February 2026.
One notable incident occurred on February 7, when 21 journalists from the online outlet Bangladesh Times were forcibly taken from their offices to a military camp and detained for nearly two hours. ASK described this event as a significant blow to press freedom, warning that such intimidation could undermine the credibility of the elections by stifling independent reporting.
Broader Context of Violence and Minority Concerns
This surge in political unrest comes amid ongoing concerns about violence against minority groups in Bangladesh, particularly the Hindu community. The country has faced criticism for its failure to curb such attacks, adding another layer of complexity to the electoral environment. ASK has expressed alarm that the increasing aggression and violence as polling day approaches could prevent voters from participating freely and without fear.
Calls for Action to Ensure Fair Elections
In response to these developments, ASK has issued a strong appeal to all stakeholders, including political parties and government authorities. The organization urges respect for the rule of law and the protection of citizens' constitutional rights to life and personal liberty. It also calls for the creation of conditions that enable voters to cast their ballots in a secure and unimpeded manner.
As Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture, the international community and local observers are closely monitoring whether these calls will be heeded to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
