Attacks on journos, mob violence surge in May

• 91 journos harassed, assaulted
• 26 incidents of mob violence
• 136 women, girls faced abuse
• 60 incidents of political violence
• 16 incidents of labour abuse

Attacks on journalists and incidents of mob violence increased in May compared to the previous month, while repression of women and children remained at an alarming level, according to the monthly report of Human Rights Support Society (HRSS).

In its report released yesterday, HRSS expressed concern over mob beatings, attacks on journalists, assaults on accused individuals inside court premises, and rising tensions along the Bangladesh-India border, including reports of Indian Border Security Force personnel pushing people back into Bangladesh.

Based on its own findings and reports published by various media outlets, the HRSS stated that at least 91 journalists were subjected to harassment, intimidation, or violence in 31 incidents in May -- significantly higher than April's figure of 38.

Of these, 33 journalists were physically assaulted, seven received threats, and three were arrested. Additionally, 48 journalists were accused in seven cases filed last month.

Mob violence also increased in May, with 26 incidents resulting in the deaths of 10 people and injuries to 25 others, according to the report.

In April, 22 such incidents had left 12 dead and 21 injured.

HRSS observed that victims were often subjected to mob beatings over allegations of mugging or political involvement. In some cases, members of Awami League and its affiliated bodies were beaten by mobs and later handed over to the police.

Violence against women and children also persisted at an alarming rate, said HRSS.

In May, at least 136 women and girls were subjected to various forms of violence. Among them, 55 were raped, including 14 victims of gang rape, and three were murdered after being raped, said the report. 

In April, the figure was higher, with 196 women and children subjected to violence.

Cross-border violence continued along the India-Bangladesh border, with 10 reported incidents in May involving the killing of two Bangladeshi nationals and injuries to five others by the BSF. Nine Bangladeshis were also detained.

In April, BSF was accused of killing five Bangladeshis -- three by gunfire and two by beating -- and injuring five more.

The HRSS report added that over 1,100 people were pushed back into Bangladesh by BSF personnel.

In May, at least 22 cases were filed against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and Awami League members, naming 2,012 individuals and 3,596 unidentified accused.

In total, 11,683 people were arrested in political cases during the month, most of whom are AL men, the report added.

In April, 16 such cases were filed, involving 1,031 named and 1,816 unidentified accused, with 8,287 arrests made -- again mostly AL members, according to HRSS.

Meanwhile, 60 incidents of political violence were recorded in May, resulting in nine deaths and at least 381 injuries. In April, 78 incidents led to 11 deaths and 727 injuries. Most of these involved intra-party BNP conflicts or confrontations between BNP and rival parties.

In May, at least five individuals died in jail custody across the country, while the number was nine in April, said HRSS.

The report also noted 16 incidents of labour-related abuse in May, which left seven workers dead and at least 144 injured. In comparison, there were 24 such incidents in April.

To improve the country's human rights situation, democracy, and rule of law, HRSS urged the government to act responsibly and ensure fundamental rights through better law enforcement.

It also called on citizens, journalists, civil society, political leaders, and global rights groups to raise their voices, warning that failure to act will further deteriorate the overall human rights situation.