Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB) expressed serious concerns regarding the outbreak of violence in various districts after the 13th national parliamentary election. The incidents, which included two fatalities and an alleged rape, have prompted calls from the rights platform for prompt and unbiased investigations.
Following the election, reports of violence emerged from different regions of the country, resulting in the loss of two lives. HRFB, citing media sources, highlighted incidents in Munshiganj and Bagerhat where individuals lost their lives in post-election-related violence.
The forum also referenced attacks in several other districts, such as Sylhet, Cumilla, Narsingdi, Feni, Gazipur, Natore, Jhalakathi, Narail, Pabna, Bogura, Faridpur, Barguna, Jhenaidah, Chandpur, Patuakhali, Kishoreganj, and Dinajpur, where numerous individuals reportedly sustained injuries.
Additionally, a woman came forward with an allegation of rape, claiming that supporters of a political opponent assaulted her for participating in election campaigning on behalf of a party.
HRFB expressed apprehension over the security situation and legal protection in the country during the post-election period due to these incidents. The forum emphasized that retaliatory violence, politically motivated attacks, violence against women, and targeting of vulnerable communities go against the principles of a democratic society.
The forum stressed the importance of responsible political leadership at all levels to ensure a peaceful environment. It called upon political parties, the Election Commission, law enforcement agencies, and relevant government bodies to promptly investigate each incident, identify the perpetrators, and deliver justice to the victims.
HRFB urged for the safety and justice of those affected and emphasized the need to hold individuals disseminating false information about such incidents accountable. The statement was endorsed by several HRFB members, including human rights advocate Hameeda Hossain, activist Sultana Kamal, and others from various organizations.
