Bangladesh - October 2023

Three months ahead of the general election, protests are escalating as rights groups accuse Bangladesh police of using excessive force during political demonstrations on 28 October. Amnesty International describes it as a "complete clampdown on dissent," while the Daily Star reported that the developments have raised “the spectre of violence in the lead-up to national election.” Human Rights Watch reported violent clashes between Awami League and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) supporters resulted in at least 11 deaths, hundreds injured, and the subsequent arrest of a key BNP opposition leader. The BNP alleged that over 1,500 opposition members were arrested before the rally. Media outlets have said the protest was the biggest rally this year, with tens of thousands of protesters calling for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation. United Nations authorities have urged the government to show restraint in the lead-up to the January 2024 election.

Sources: Human Rights Watch, OHCHR, Amnesty International, The Daily Star