Mass arrests, threats, enforced disappearances, blackmailing and surveillance were all methods reportedly used by law enforcement officials ahead of the vote, which was boycotted by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Acts of political violence, including arson attacks, allegedly perpetrated by opposition groups, have also been reported.
Nearly 25,000 opposition supporters have been arrested since October 28, including prominent party leaders. At least 10 opposition supporters have reportedly died – or were killed – in detention over the past two months, the UN human rights chief said, raising serious concerns about possible torture or harsh conditions of detention.
Many human rights defenders have been forced into hiding, and some have fled the country, while dozens of suspicious disappearances have been reported, mostly in November.
“These incidents must be independently investigated, and those responsible must be brought to justice in a fair and transparent trial,” Turki said. “Violations and irregularities during the campaign and on election day must also be thoroughly and effectively investigated.”