220 killed in December

A total of 220 people were killed in various incidents across the country in December, according to a press release of Bangladesh Human Rights Commission (BHRC) yesterday.

Of them, 22 people were killed in violence over the 11th parliamentary election, while 11 were killed in other political violence.

Meantime, 13 people were killed by law enforcers, seven fell victim to secret killing, 13 were murdered after abduction and six were killed after rape.

The commission revealed the information in a monthly report based on data from its district, upazila and municipality branches, and national newspapers, in cooperation with International Human Rights Commission.

On an average, more than seven people were killed on a daily basis throughout the month, said the press release citing the report.

“Such kind of report surely indicates the extreme deterioration of law and order situation in the country and BHRC expresses deep concern,” it said.

It also revealed that 62 people fell victim to mysterious death while 13 committed suicide.

The report showed that road accidents caused 237 deaths.

On the other hand, five were killed for dowry, 31 over family feud, 43 in social violence, two by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) and five died following doctors' negligence.

In addition, 25 persons were raped while seven others were sexually harassed, four were tortured for dowry and 22 journalists were assaulted.

“Rule of law is essential for institutionalising democracy and building human rights-based society,” said the release signed by Jahanara Akter, assistant director (research and public relation) of BHRC.

The commission said the rate of such killings could be brought to zero level through proper steps by the law enforcement agencies.