12 killed by mobs in April

At least 12 people were killed and 21 others injured in 22 incidents of mob violence across the country in April, according to a monthly report by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), released yesterday.

The rights body said in addition to mob attacks, incidents of political violence, rape, and abuse of women and children were reported throughout the month.

It noted that the overall human rights situation showed no improvement in April, adding that crimes such as extortion, theft, mugging, robbery, and murder continued to occur, spreading fear and panic among the public.

Based on HRSS's own findings and news published by various media outlets, the report said at least 11 people were killed and 727 others injured in 78 incidents of political violence in April -- a decline from March, when 23 people were killed and 733 injured in 97 incidents.

Among the deceased in April's political unrest, eight were affiliated with the BNP and the remaining with the Awami League.

The report also highlighted that at least 196 women and female children were subjected to violence in April. Of them, 88 were raped, including 52 children, it added.

Six of the victims were murdered following sexual assault, the report said.

Meanwhile, at least 105 children were subjected to abuse during the month. Among them, 15 died as a result of violence, and 90 were tortured physically and mentally, said HRSS.

HRSS also said five workers were killed and at least 114 others were injured in 24 incidents of labour abuse.

According to the report, five Bangladeshi nationals were killed and five others injured in border areas by India's Border Security Force (BSF). Three of the victims were shot, while the remaining two were beaten to death.

At least 16 more cases were filed against the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other members of the Awami League in April. A total of 1,031 individuals were named in these cases, while 1,816 others were listed as unidentified accused, according to HRSS.

In total, 8,287 people were arrested in political cases during the month, most of whom are AL men, the report added.

Additionally, at least 38 journalists faced harassment or torture in April, it also said.

In April, at least nine individuals died in custody across the country, said HRSS.

In the report, HRSS emphasised the urgent need to improve the overall situation in the country through dialogue with political parties, civil society, journalists, and citizens to strengthen the rule of law, democracy, and human rights.

It stressed that ensuring people's fundamental and constitutional rights through maintaining law and order is essential. Without implementing these measures, the overall human rights situation in the country is likely to deteriorate.

HRSS urged the government to take a more responsible role in protecting human rights and improving the overall situation.