Dhaka’s recent electoral saga has been marred by shocking levels of violence, according to a detailed report from the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS). From October 2025 to February 14, 2026, at least 10 people lost their lives, while 2,503 others suffered injuries in election-related clashes across the nation.
The findings were unveiled at a press conference held at the Jatiya Press Club, where HRSS presented its comprehensive ‘Election and Referendum Observation Report.’ Executive Director Mohammad Ijazul Islam highlighted the organization’s extensive monitoring efforts. With 565 observers deployed across all 64 districts, they kept a close watch on 1,733 polling centers in 100 constituencies during voting, and 347 observers oversaw the counting process.
Despite these efforts, significant obstacles emerged. Islam accused authorities of barring at least 48 observers from entering counting rooms, a violation of legal provisions that mandate their presence. On a positive note, polling day itself—February 12—was largely peaceful, with no fatalities reported.
Initial probes revealed irregularities at a minimum of 21 polling stations, including unauthorized takeovers, observer interference, ballot tampering, pre-marked counterfoils, and failure to publicly display results as required by law. Program Officer Saiful Islam’s detailed analysis documented 393 incidents of disruptions and clashes nationwide on polling day.
Breaking down the chaos: 149 cases of polling center malfeasance, 105 clashes between supporters, 59 ballot stuffing allegations, 19 instances of polling agents being removed, 13 cases of official negligence, 18 voter intimidations, six attacks on candidates, three ballot box snatchings, two arsons, and 31 other irregularities. These skirmishes left 145 people injured.
The report also noted 50 arrests, removal of 13 presiding and polling officers, 55 jail terms or fines, injuries to five journalists, cancellation of voting at three centers, and 64 instances of AI-generated misinformation.
Zooming out to the broader pre-election period from the schedule announcement on December 11, 2025, to February 11, 2026, violence claimed five lives and injured 1,650. Gunshots wounded at least 24, and over 200 homes and sites were attacked. Post-results unrest spread to at least 30 districts, with over 200 clashes among BNP, Jamaat, and independent supporters, injuring more than 300 and damaging 350 offices, businesses, and homes. Three of the 10 deaths occurred after results were declared.
Partisan breakdowns paint a grim picture: 68 internal BNP clashes injured 595 and killed three; 100 BNP-Jamaat fights hurt 915 and claimed one life; other rivalries added to the toll. Women faced targeting in 32 incidents, with 45 harassed and 23 injured—31 linked to BNP affiliates.
This wave of violence underscores deep-seated tensions in Bangladesh’s polarized political landscape, raising urgent calls for electoral reforms to safeguard democracy.