Election Nears, Political Violence Surges

With the 13th national parliamentary elections scheduled for 12 February, the political climate across Bangladesh is becoming increasingly tense and violent, according to the Bangladeshi human rights and legal advocacy organisation, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK). The organisation has noted a marked escalation in political violence, fatalities, and injuries in January compared with December.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, ASK reported that December 2023 witnessed a total of 18 politically motivated violent incidents, resulting in 4 deaths and 268 injuries. However, January saw a dramatic deterioration in the situation. During this single month, ASK documented 75 incidents of political violence, in which 11 people were killed and 616 were injured.

ASK’s analysis indicates that the violence has been persistently on the rise throughout the month. Breaking down the incidents by time periods in January:

The final period, 21–31 January, coincides with the official start of election campaigning on 22 January, during which violence reached its peak, according to ASK.

Journalists at Risk

ASK also highlighted that journalists performing their professional duties have increasingly become targets amid the political unrest. In December, 11 journalists faced harassment or obstruction, a number which rose to 16 in January, reflecting the growing hazards for media personnel during this volatile pre-election period.

Expressing deep concern over the escalating violence, ASK urged all political actors to exercise maximum restraint and tolerance. The organisation further emphasised the importance of protecting every citizen’s right to life and personal liberty, as enshrined in Article 32 of the Constitution of Bangladesh.

ASK called on all parties to conduct their activities in strict adherence to law and human rights principles, underscoring that ensuring a peaceful and fair electoral process is essential for the country’s democratic integrity.

The organisation warned that failure to curb the rising violence could endanger not only the election process but also broader civil society, including journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens participating in political life.