50 persons were reportedly killed from October 27 to November 05, 2006 due to the violence that erupted at the eve of and immediately after the power handover from the BNP-led 4-party-alliance Government to the Caretaker Government. One of the main reasons for the violence was the demand for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner and the appointment of a new Election Commissioner. Among those killed 20 were from BNP, 13 from Awami League, 9 from Jamaat-e-Islami, 2 from 4-party-alliance, 1 from Workers party, 2 from Purbo Bangla Communist Party (ML Red Flag), 2 were not identified and 1 person who was not connected with any political party. 8 persons were killed in Dhaka alone. Odhikar observed the recent political situation of unrest with grave concern and demanded that the Caretaker Government should take stern legal action against the perpetrators after full-fledged inquiry into these incidents.
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Odhikar believes that the violence was instigated due to the impatience and deep distrust among politicians, which might have long-term adverse effects on the democratic development and human rights situation of Bangladesh. Odhikar urges all the political parties to refrain from such activities and also urges the Caretaker Government to take stern legal action against the perpetrators, after conducting a proper inquiry.
