Uprising Aftermath: Human Rights Violations in 11,348 Incidents

A staggering 11,348 individuals were victims of human rights violations, including murders, injuries, torture, and attacks on minority communities, in July and August 2024, according to a report by the Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation.

The study, based on interviews with key informants, focus group discussions, and surveys conducted with 12,434 people, paints a grim picture of the violence during this period.

Between July 1 and August 5, 2024, physical injuries accounted for 75% of the documented cases, with threats making up 9%, killings 8%, and torture 7%.

In the second half of August, following the flight of Sheikh Hasina, there was a sharp increase in attacks on properties. These included 38% arson, 34% vandalism and looting, 26% attacks on minority properties, and 2% on temples and shrines.

Of the 881 individuals killed, 763 were shot, 69 burned alive, 45 beaten to death, one was stabbed, and another struck with a brick. Among the victims, 340 were between 20 and 30 years old, at least 223 were between 10 and 20 years old, and six were under the age of 10.

The geographical distribution of killings saw 29% occurring in the Dhaka division, 20% in Chattogram, 11% in Mymensingh, 10% in Barishal, 9% in Khulna and Rajshahi, 7% in Rangpur, and 5% in Sylhet.

The victims included 568 students, 164 workers, 85 roadside vendors, 23 private sector employees, and 9 teachers. Of the students who died, 265 were in colleges, 136 in schools, 106 in madrasas, and 61 in universities.

Of the 7,873 individuals injured, 35% were from Dhaka division, 17% from Chattogram, 16% from Rangpur, and 11% from Sylhet. In terms of medical treatment, 58% of the injured were treated at private hospitals, 32% at government hospitals, and only 10% at private facilities that offered free care.

Despite the severity of the violence, most victims refrained from seeking legal recourse. Only the families of 300 deceased victims filed cases, with many others citing fear of retaliation or threats preventing them from doing so.

Between August 6 and 31, attacks on properties escalated. There were 333 cases of arson, 300 cases of vandalism and looting, 223 attacks on properties belonging to minority communities, and 20 attacks on temples and shrines.

The study found that 65% of the alleged perpetrators were police officers, 16% were Bangladesh Chhatra League activists, 9% were Awami League activists, 2% were Jubo League activists, and 3% were Border Guard Bangladesh personnel.

The report also highlighted that at least 44 police officers were killed in various incidents.

In terms of violence against women, at least 353 women were injured, six were killed, 68 were tortured, and 113 were threatened.

Nurunnabi Shanto, the project coordinator of the Manobadhikar Shongskriti Foundation, presented the findings at an event on Thursday.

The study calls on the government to provide legal aid, economic rehabilitation, and urgent medical and psychological support for the victims. It also recommends comprehensive reforms to ensure accountability within the police force, constitutional amendments, an end to arbitrary arrests, and stronger protections for democratic freedoms.

Saidur Rahman, the chief executive of the foundation, stated that a culture of fear still prevails in the country.

Human rights lawyer Salma Ali emphasised the need for reforms in the police to make the force more approachable and supportive, especially for women and children.