A child’s cry pierced the night in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar as bullets flew during an election promotion in Teknaf’s Ali Khali Rohingya camp. Five were injured Thursday at 8:30 PM in Camp-25’s Block A/04 when unknown attackers targeted a crowded truck, per local police and media outlets like Dhaka Tribune.
Two Rohingya and three Bangladeshis fell victim to the gunfire amid a gathering crowd. This event spotlights the perilous climate gripping the country before February 12 polls, where political fervor has ignited widespread clashes.
Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) reports January’s violence exploded to 75 incidents—up from 18 in December—inflicting 616 injuries and 11 deaths, dwarfing prior month’s tolls. Post-campaign start on January 22, brutality peaked with 49 confrontations from January 21-31, claiming 4 lives and 414 wounded.
Press freedom suffers too, as journalist attacks climbed to 16 last month from 11. The group warns of a clear upward trajectory and demands political leaders commit to calm campaigns, pressing police to shield the public and enforce laws impartially.
As Bangladesh hurtles toward election day, such attacks in sensitive Rohingya enclaves signal deepening rifts that could undermine the vote’s integrity unless addressed swiftly.