The human rights situation across Bangladesh showed a further deterioration in February compared to January this year, particularly in terms of post-election violence, political arrests, violence against women and children, and border-related incidents, according to a report by Manabadhikar Sanskriti Foundation (MSF).
The findings were revealed in MSF’s Human Rights Situation Monitoring Report for the month of February 2026, released on Saturday.
MSF sees lack of effective measures by BSF to stop border incidents
MSF said that although no major violence was reported on the day of the 13th parliamentary election on February 12, incidents of violence, casualties, politically and personally motivated attacks, clashes, violence against women, and arson occurred in different parts of the country following the announcement of the election and referendum results.
According to data published in the media and collected by MSF, a total of 799 people were victims of election-related violence in 136 incidents in February. Among them, five people, including a child, were killed and 794 others injured.
Of the 136 incidents, 65 occurred before the election, leaving 385 people injured. On election day, 14 incidents were reported with 98 people injured. In 57 post-election incidents, five people, including a child, were killed and 311 others injured.
MSF concludes emergency response supporting flood-affected patients in Noakhali
MSF also reported that 40 leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations in connection with cases related to the anti-discrimination student movement and the fall of the government, were arrested. Among them, one person was arrested in connection with the quota reform movement.
Regarding violence against women and children, MSF said 253 incidents were recorded in February, four fewer than the previous month. The month saw 33 rape cases, 12 gang rapes, and five incidents of rape followed by murder. Among the rape survivors were six adolescent girls and women with disabilities.
On the border situation, MSF said six Bangladeshi nationals were tortured by Indian citizens in the presence of members of India’s Border Security Force (BSF). A Bangladeshi fishing boat along with 28 fishermen was detained from the Bay of Bengal by the Indian Coast Guard.
In Kurigram’s Roumari border area, the BSF allegedly took away 95 cattle. Additionally, seven Bangladeshi youths were detained from border areas.
Meanwhile, two fishermen were shot and injured by unidentified pirates while fishing in the Bay of Bengal. A child from Teknaf, who had been critically injured by gunfire from across the Myanmar border last month, died while undergoing treatment.
Separately, five fishermen were detained along with their trawler by Myanmar’s armed group Arakan Army while returning from the Naf River in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar.
MSF said the incidents have created anxiety and fear among residents living in border areas and stressed the need for effective accountability, impartial investigations and preventive measures to control the situation.