The human rights situation in Bangladesh has entered a terrifying new phase.
Amid economic turmoil, political rivalry, and the growing heat of an election season, the nation finds itself haunted by a surge of killings, disappearances, and grim discoveries of unidentified bodies — alongside a sharp rise in deaths in state custody.
According to the October report of the Manobadhikar Sangskriti Foundation (MSF), 66 unidentified bodies were recovered across the country last month — up from 52 in September.
During the same period, 13 prisoners died in custody, nearly double the previous month’s figure.
Since the new administration assumed power, extrajudicial killings, mob lynchings, counterterror operations, and politically targeted attacks have continued to escalate. As the election draws near, violence and bloodshed are spreading like wildfire.
Grassroots leaders and workers of the Awami League have become visible targets — murdered in broad daylight — while influential local figures are being systematically hunted down.
Political observers warn that the goal is clear: to sow fear, destabilize the electoral environment, and silence dissent before ballots are ever cast.
Death Behind Bars
MSF reports that of the 13 who died in custody this October, 6 were convicted prisoners and 7 were awaiting trial.
These deaths expose not only the appalling state of the prison system, but also the erosion of state accountability.
The report further notes a sharp increase in violence against women and children, killings at border areas, and political clashes.
In September, 296 people were reported killed or injured in 38 incidents of political violence. In October, that number soared to 549 across 49 incidents.
A Surge in Gender Violence
The crisis extends beyond politics.
According to MSF, 368 incidents of violence against women and children were recorded in October alone — including 72 cases of rape, 14 gang rapes, and 7 cases of rape followed by murder.
Tragically, among the victims were five women and girls with disabilities.
“Each Unidentified Body Is a Family’s Untold Agony”
MSF Executive Director Saidur Rahman expressed grave concern:
“The growing number of unidentified bodies and deaths in custody mirrors the extreme deterioration of human rights in the country. Law enforcement agencies seem content to recover bodies, but show little effort in identifying them, conducting autopsies, or returning the remains to their families.”
He continued:
“Each unidentified corpse represents a family’s silent torment — a story without closure. Yet the absence of serious investigation or justice is corroding public faith in both safety and the rule of law.”
A Dark Omen for Democracy
Analysts warn that if political instability continues unchecked, it will endanger not only human rights but also the credibility of the upcoming election itself.
Human rights groups and civil society are calling on the state to act now — to enforce strict accountability, ensure no one stands above the law, and restore public confidence in justice.
Otherwise, the rising numbers of unidentified bodies and deaths in custody will not remain mere statistics.
They will become a dark symbol — of a democracy unraveling, and a humanity in retreat.
