At least 197 people were killed in mob violence in 2025, a grave human rights violation, according to Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK). In the previous year, at least 128 people lost their lives in similar incidents. The figures were disclosed in a report titled “Human Rights Situation in Bangladesh 2025: Observations of Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK)”, released on December 31.

The report, prepared on the basis of national media reports, ASK’s own monitoring, and field-level investigations, states that during the tenure of the interim government, at least 293 people were killed in mob violence. During this period, men and women, members of religious minorities, and people from marginalised communities were brutally killed. Incidents of harassment, assault, and the placing of garlands of shoes around the necks of freedom fighters and members of the Baul community were also reported.

According to ASK data, 27 people were killed in mob violence in Dhaka in 2025, followed by 17 in Gazipur, 11 in Narayanganj, nine in Chattogram, and eight in Cumilla. Six people were killed each in Mymensingh, Barisal, Noakhali, Gaibandha, and Shariatpur. Five deaths each were recorded in Lakshmipur and Sirajganj, while four people each were killed in Narsingdi and Jashore.

The report notes that incidents of mob violence were relatively higher in August and September. Among those killed were at least seven members of the Hindu minority community, three women, and one visually impaired person, highlighting the disproportionate impact of violence on socially vulnerable groups. ASK said most mob violence stemmed from political dissent, religious extremism, the spread of rumours, and attempts to assert dominance.

According to the report, of the 38 incidents of extrajudicial killings by law enforcement agencies in 2025, 26 people were killed as a result of physical torture, deaths in the custody of joint forces, and so-called “shootouts” or “crossfire”. At least 12 deaths occurred in police custody. In 2024, 21 people were killed in extrajudicial killings.

In the same year, at least 107 people died in prisons across the country, including 69 undertrial detainees and 38 convicts. The highest number of deaths—38—was recorded at Dhaka Central Jail.

The report further states that the planned attacks, vandalism, and arson at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star on December 18, 2025, were unprecedented in the country’s history. Journalists and staff were left severely insecure, and both the print and online editions of the newspapers had to be temporarily suspended, constituting a serious blow to freedom of expression.

ASK said freedom of expression remains a vulnerable human right in Bangladesh. The use of state power, along with the threat of cases and arrests for expressing dissenting views, continues to shrink the democratic space.

According to ASK, 102 people were killed, and around 4,844 were injured in 401 incidents of political violence in 2025. During the same period, 381 journalists were subjected to abuse and harassment; three were killed, and the bodies of four others were recovered under mysterious circumstances.

In 2025, at least 42 attacks on the Hindu community were reported, including arson attacks on homes, assaults on temples, vandalism of idols, and land grabbing. One person was killed, and at least 15 others were injured in these incidents. During the same period, an attack on a Buddhist temple was also reported.