Published: 12:31 AM, 02 June 2026
Mob violence kills 32 people in May: MSF
A total of 32 people were killed in mob violence across Bangladesh during May 2026 while 71 others were seriously injured in at least 69 such incidents. In addition, 53 unidentified bodies were recovered during the month.
This information was disclosed in a monthly report released on Sunday by the human rights organization Manabadhikar Sanskriti Foundation (MSF), signed by its founding president, Advocate Sultana Kamal.
According to MSF, 69 incidents of mob violence occurred in May, resulting in 32 deaths and 71 serious injuries. In April, similar incidents left 21 people dead and 49 injured. This indicates that both the number of deaths and injuries caused by mob violence increased in May.
MSF also expressed concern that members of law enforcement agencies are becoming victims of mob violence. The organization stated that this reflects a weakening of state authority. It further noted that the obstruction of the screening of the film "Bonolota Express" in Brahmanbaria was also an example of mob action. In addition, law enforcement personnel have themselves been attacked during mob incidents.
According to the organization's records, 21 people were killed and 49 seriously injured in mob attacks nationwide in April. In March, 19 people were killed and 31 injured. In February, 18 people were killed in mob attacks; in January, 21 people; and in December 2025, 10 people lost their lives in such incidents.
The report also states that at least 35 of those injured in such incidents were later handed over to the police.
In a comparative analysis of April and May, MSF said that incidents of violence against women and children, including rape, have increased at an alarming rate, indicating a deterioration in the overall situation. Likewise, the rise in cases of gang rape, rape followed by murder, and attempted rape highlights the severity of the crisis.
According to MSF data, at least 326 incidents of violence against women and children were documented in May, which is 12 more than the previous month.
There were 70 reported rape cases in May, compared with 54 in April, representing an increase of nearly 40 percent.
In addition, 16 gang rape cases and 6 cases of rape followed by murder were recorded in May.
