Political violence claims 158 lives, injures thousands in 17 months: TIB

At least 158 political activists were killed and 7,082 others injured in 600 incidents of political violence across the country over 17 months, according to a study by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).

The findings were disclosed on Monday at a press conference at TIB’s office in Dhaka during the release of a research report titled “Post-Authoritarian Transition: Justice, State Reforms and Elections—Expectations and Outcomes.” TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman was present at the event.

The study said that between August 2024 and December 2025, political violence remained widespread, involving multiple political parties and often linked to internal disputes and struggles for control over local influence and resources.

According to the report, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was linked to 550 incidents, accounting for 91.7 per cent of the total cases. The Awami League was reportedly involved in 124 incidents (20.7 per cent), while Jamaat-e-Islami was linked to 46 incidents (7.7 per cent).

TIB noted that because more than one political party was involved in the same incidents of violence, party-wise involvement has been counted separately.

The study further observed that following the regime change, attempts were made by various groups to seize control of institutions, assets, and activities previously dominated by the Awami League, frequently triggering clashes.

These included alleged extortion at transport terminals and bus stands, illegal extraction of stones from quarries and rivers in Sylhet, and efforts to control leaseholds of bridges, markets, ferry ghats, sand quarries, and water bodies.

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