Collective exposure to violence and human rights violations in the complex setting in Bangladesh (I): Epidemiological character

Aims: This is a case study of conflict epidemiology with an initial effort to assess organized and political violence (OPV) and human rights violations at the population level in Bangladesh.

Background: Since 1972, ruling parties in Bangladesh have systematically used torture/inhuman treatment against political opponents and criminals.

Methods: The population-based study consists of two parts: household survey and OPV screening at a mobile clinic (presented in the part II). Multistage cluster sampling method was used in the household survey: 22 clusters with a sample size of 1,101 households (population of 4870) were selected in the Meherpur district.

Results: Overall level of violence and human rights abuse (including torture) is high. 75% households reported that family members had witnessed violent actions against relatives or friends. The annual injury rate was 36%, life experience of violence-attributable injury was 50% and pain experience within 2 week preceding the survey was 57%. 80% of population over 35 years old complained about pain. There is financial burden imposed on the family with an injured person. Our study reveals geographical pattern regarding reports of torture and life experience of violence-attributable injury. A combination of individual, relational, community and societal factors including variables like political party affiliation, conflict with other families, household income and residential area affect the risk of victimization in the household.

Conclusion: We have compiled a minimum dataset on OPV features in Meherpur district. An immediate multilevel intervention with a rights-based approach to prevention and rehabilitation is required at the western border of Bangladesh.