32 killed in mob attacks, 53 unidentified bodies found in May: Rights org

At least 32 people were killed in incidents of mob violence across Bangladesh in May, while 53 unidentified bodies were recovered from different parts of the country, according to a report by the Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF), raising concerns over public safety, the rule of law and the overall human rights situation.

The findings were published today (31 May) in the rights organisation's monthly review of human rights violations, based on newspaper reports and its own monitoring.

According to the report, the number of deaths from mob violence increased significantly from 21 in April to 32 in May. A further 71 people were seriously injured in mob attacks during the month, compared with 49 in April.

MSF said allegations of theft, attempted rape and land disputes were among the main triggers behind the incidents. 

The organisation warned that the rising trend points to a weakening respect for legal processes and an increasing tendency to resolve disputes through violence. 

It also noted that members of law enforcement agencies have become targets of mob attacks, a development it described as a sign of eroding state authority.

The recovery of 53 unidentified bodies during May also remained a matter of concern, although the figure was slightly lower than April's 56, it said adding that the bodies were found in rivers, on roadsides, railway tracks and agricultural fields.

MSF said the continued discovery of unidentified bodies raises questions about unresolved crimes, possible extrajudicial killings and shortcomings in criminal investigations.

The report noted a mixed trend in political violence. While injuries in politically motivated clashes dropped to 193 in May from 303 in April, three people were killed during such incidents.

According to MSF, clashes involving activists of the BNP, Awami League and Jamaat-e-Islami, as well as intra-party conflicts, continued to contribute to political instability.

Human rights violations along the country's borders also increased during the month. Ten people were killed along the borders with India and Myanmar, up from eight in April, while 13 others were injured, compared with two in the previous month.

The rights group also documented 10 alleged push-in incidents from India during the reporting period.

In prisons, seven inmates died in custody in May, compared with six in April, prompting renewed concerns over prison conditions and detainee welfare.

The report further said that 34 journalists faced various forms of harassment during the month, down from 46 in April. However, it noted a shift from physical attacks to legal and institutional forms of pressure.

Despite some improvements in certain indicators, MSF noted that Bangladesh's human rights situation remains structurally fragile due to weak rule of law, limited accountability and growing institutional pressure.