Political violence and harassment of journalists have increased alarmingly across Bangladesh ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election, according to human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK).
In a press release issued on Tuesday, ASK said that at least 58 incidents of political violence were reported across the country between February 1 and 10. Based on media reports, two people were killed and 489 others injured during this period.
The organisation noted that the trend of violence has been rising steadily over the past months. In the last 10 days of January, 49 incidents of political violence were recorded, leaving four people dead and 414 injured. Earlier, between January 1 and 10, eight incidents claimed five lives and injured 26 others. From January 11 to 20, at least 18 incidents occurred, resulting in two deaths and 176 injuries.
ASK also expressed serious concern over the growing number of attacks on journalists during the election period. According to media reports, 11 journalists were attacked in December 2025, a figure that rose to 16 in January 2026. Alarmingly, at least 47 journalists were attacked across the country within the first 10 days of February alone.
The organisation further reported that on February 7, 21 journalists from the online news outlet Bangladesh Times were taken from their workplace to a military camp and released after nearly two hours.
ASK’s analysis shows that political violence increased in January 2026 compared to December 2025, and the upward trend has continued into February with a rise in casualties. As the election draws closer, political activities are becoming increasingly violent, while attacks and intimidation against journalists are also intensifying.
Expressing deep concern over the continued escalation of political violence and threats to media freedom, ASK urged all concerned parties to uphold the rule of law in accordance with the constitution and ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and personal liberties.
The organisation also expressed hope that voters would be able to exercise their franchise freely, fairly and safely in the upcoming national parliamentary election.