HRW calls on Bangladesh authorities to impartially investigate all instances of violence

In a new report, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said that the Bangladesh authorities are targeting opposition leaders and supporters ahead of the general elections slated for January 7, 2024.

The human rights organization said in its report, published today, that the authorities in Bangladesh should impartially investigate all instances of violence, including cases in which each side has blamed the other.

According to reports, almost 10,000 opposition activists have been arrested since a planned rally by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on October 28. At least 16 people have been killed during ongoing violence, including 2 police officers. Over 5,500 people have been injured.

Based on interviews with 13 witnesses and analysis of videos and police reports, Human Rights Watch has found evidence that security forces are responsible for using excessive force, mass arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings in a recent spate of election-related violence.