Shocking Data on Post-Election Violence in Bangladesh: 10 Dead, 2,503 Injured in Three and a Half Months

Dhaka: In a disturbing assessment of post-election unrest, rights body Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has reported that at least 10 people were killed and 2,503 injured in election-related violence in Bangladesh between October 2025 and February 14, 2026.

According to Bangladeshi daily The Daily Star, HRSS presented its “Election and Referendum Observation Report” at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club. Executive Director Mohammad Ijazul Islam stated that the organisation deployed 565 observers across all 64 districts to monitor the February 12 parliamentary elections.

Observers monitored voting at 1,733 polling centres in 100 constituencies, while 347 observers were present during vote counting. However, HRSS alleged that at least 48 observers were denied entry into counting rooms by election officials or, in some cases, supporters of candidates — despite legal provisions allowing their presence.

Although the organisation described polling day as largely peaceful compared to the previous national election, with no reported deaths on voting day, it identified irregularities at 21 polling centres during its preliminary investigation. Alleged issues included booth capturing, obstruction of observers, ballot-related discrepancies, pre-signing and sealing of ballot counterfoils, and failure to publicly display required results as per election rules.

According to a detailed report read by HRSS Programme Officer Saiful Islam, 393 incidents of irregularities and clashes were recorded nationwide on polling day. These included:

• 149 cases of disorder at polling centres

• 105 clashes between rival supporters

• 59 allegations of ballot stuffing

• 19 incidents involving removal of polling agents

• 13 cases of negligence by election officials

• 18 cases of voter obstruction

• 6 attacks on candidates

• 3 ballot box snatching incidents

• 2 arson cases

• 31 other irregularities

A total of 145 people were injured on polling day alone.

The report also mentioned 50 arrests, removal of 13 presiding and polling officers, and 55 instances of jail terms or fines. Five journalists were injured, voting was cancelled at three centres, and 64 cases of misinformation spread using artificial intelligence tools were recorded.

Between October 2025 and February 14, 2026, HRSS documented more than 700 election-related violent incidents nationwide. At least 34 people sustained gunshot injuries, and more than 500 houses, vehicles, businesses, election offices, and polling centres were vandalised, looted, or set on fire.

From the announcement of the election schedule on December 11, 2025, to February 11, 2026, 254 violent incidents were recorded, leaving 1,650 injured and five dead. During this period, at least 24 people were shot, and over 200 properties were attacked.

The report noted that 68 incidents stemmed from internal clashes among supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), resulting in 595 injuries and three deaths. Additionally, 100 clashes between BNP and Jamaat supporters left 915 injured and one dead.

Twelve clashes between BNP and NCP supporters injured 58 people, while three clashes between BNP and Awami League supporters injured three individuals. Two clashes between NCP and Jatiya Party supporters left 23 injured. Fourteen clashes between BNP and other parties injured 46 people, and three separate incidents injured 10 more. Of the five people killed during this phase, three were BNP supporters, one was linked to Jamaat, and one was associated with Inquilab Mancha.

Following the announcement of results, violence spread to at least 30 districts. More than 200 clashes were reported between BNP, Jamaat, and independent candidates’ supporters, injuring over 300 people and damaging or burning at least 350 offices, businesses, and homes. Three of the 10 total deaths occurred after the results were declared.

The report further highlighted that between December 11, 2025, and February 14, 2026, women were specifically targeted in 32 incidents. A total of 45 women faced harassment and 23 were injured. In 31 of these cases, BNP activists or individuals linked to the party were reportedly accused.