Political Violence Kills Nearly 300 in Bangladesh Since Hasina's Fall

Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's 15-year autocratic rule in Bangladesh in August 2024, nearly 300 people have been killed in political violence, according to a report by Odhikar, the country's main human rights organization. The report details at least 281 deaths linked to political party violence, alongside 40 extrajudicial killings of crime suspects and 153 lynchings up to September 2025. While human rights adherence has improved since Hasina fled to India and her party, the Awami League, was banned, issues persist, including deaths in custody, bribery, harassment, and lack of accountability for law enforcement agencies. The report highlights widespread extortion by political parties such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and Jamaat-e-Islami, as well as frequent mob attacks attributed to inefficient policing. Despite improvements, innocent people continue to suffer due to alleged political affiliations. The violence underscores ongoing instability ahead of elections scheduled for February 2026.