STAFF CORRESPONDENT

At least 600 incidents of political violence, resulting in the deaths of 158 political activists, were reported across the country between August 2024 and December 2025, according to a report by Transparency International Bangladesh.

The report said 7,082 people were injured during the violent incidents, the majority of which were linked to the BNP -- 550 incidents, accounting for 91.7 percent of the total.

The Awami League was involved in 124 incidents (20.7 percent), while Jamaat-e-Islami was linked to 7.7 percent and the National Citizen Party to 1.2 percent.

At least 15 political leaders and activists were killed within 36 days of the announcement of the election schedule on December 11, the report shows.

The report titled “Justice, State Reform and Election after the Fall of Authoritarianism: Expectations and Reality”, was unveiled at the TIB office in the capital’s Dhanmondi yesterday.

As of November 19, 2025, 1,785 cases, including 837 murder cases, related to crimes against humanity during the July uprising have been filed nationwide. Of those, 663 cases have been filed against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, 453 of which are murder cases.

The report said charge sheets have been submitted in only 106 cases, including 31 murder cases, indicating slow progress in investigations.

So far, 128 former ministers and members of parliament from the Awami League government have been arrested in connection with the cases.

The report also revealed that 761 cases have been filed against 1,168 serving and former police officials for crimes against humanity during uprising. Among them, 61 have been arrested.

At the International Crimes Tribunal, 450 complaints have so far been lodged -- 45 have been taken into cognisance. These cases involve 209 accused, with 84 arrests made. Currently, 12 cases against 105 accused are under trial at the ICT.

TIB said many accused individuals have fled the country, with allegations that members of the military, law enforcement and local political leaders directly or indirectly facilitated their escape.

The watchdog expressed serious concern over the indiscriminate filing of cases following the uprising, with the report estimating that around 150,000 people across the country have been accused.

It cited widespread allegations of “case trade”, retaliatory filings, political harassment and extortion, including threats of inclusion or promises of exclusion in cases. In many instances, the report said, law enforcement agencies accepted cases without proper investigation due to pressure.

TIB also raised concerns about the competence On

SEE PAGE 2 COL 1