In a stark revelation, Bangladesh’s election period from late 2025 into early 2026 was plagued by relentless violence, claiming 10 lives and injuring over 2,500, as per the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS). The period spanning October 2025 to February 14, 2026, exposed the fragility of the democratic process in the South Asian nation.
HRSS rolled out its ‘Election and Referendum Observation Report’ at Jatiya Press Club, drawing from meticulous on-ground surveillance. Executive Director Mohammad Ijazul Islam detailed how 565 observers covered all 64 districts, monitoring voting at 1,733 centers across 100 areas and counting at numerous sites with 347 personnel.
Accusations flew thick: 48 observers were denied access to counting rooms by officials or candidate backers, flouting electoral laws. Yet, the actual voting day on February 12 stood out as relatively calm—no deaths marred the process.
Delving deeper, HRSS flagged anomalies at 21+ polling stations: occupations, observer blocks, ballot frauds, pre-sealed counterfoils, and hidden results. On polling day, 393 disturbances were logged, from 149 center irregularities and 105 supporter brawls to 59 stuffing claims, 19 agent ejections, and more, injuring 145 in total.
Consequences included 50 arrests, 13 officer dismissals, 55 penalties, five hurt journalists, three canceled polls, and 64 AI misinformation cases. No polling-day deaths, but the preceding months were bloodier.
From December 11, 2025, announcement to February 11, 2026, 254 violent episodes killed five, wounded 1,650, with 24 shot and 200+ properties vandalized. Internal BNP infighting (68 clashes, 595 hurt, 3 dead), BNP-Jamaat rifts (100 fights, 915 injured, 1 dead), and others fueled the fire.
Post-election, fury erupted in 30 districts: 200+ clashes, 300+ injuries, 350 torched sites, three deaths. Women bore the brunt in 32 attacks—45 targeted, 23 wounded, mostly by BNP-linked groups.
These figures not only quantify the unrest but spotlight systemic failures, urging stakeholders to prioritize peace and transparency in future polls to restore public faith.