The report, launched yesterday in the city, was prepared on the basis of news items published in 11 national dailies and fact-finding reports by Odhikar, says a press release of the organisation.

Among the 79 people, 46 were killed by Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), 18 by the army, five by the joint forces, two by the navy and one by officers of the Department of Narcotics Control from January 1 to March 31, the report claimed.

The report also said 50 people were killed in 'crossfire' in this period and of them, 44 were killed by Rab, five by police and one by the joint forces.

The party affiliations of the people killed are: seven from BNP, four from Awami League, seven from Biplobi Communist Party, one from New Biplobi Communist Party, three from Purbo Banglar Communist Party, four from Purbo Banglar Communist Party (Jano Juddho), four from Purbo Banglar Communist Party (Red Flag), four from Sarbohara Party, three were from Sromojibi Mukti Andolan, two from Gono Muktifouz, three from Gangchil Bahini, one from Haji Bahini and one from the Masim Bahini, the report pointed out.

The professions and distinct identities of the dead are: One freedom fighter, two farmers, one police informer (source), one indigenous leader, two alleged muggers, 17 alleged criminals, one alleged gambler, one alleged drug peddler, one under trial prisoner of Dhaka Central Jail, one prisoner of Faridpur Jail and one suspected arms dealer, the report also pointed out.

A total of 1,26,968 people were reportedly arrested across the country from January 1 to March 31, the report said.

It also said 33 people were reportedly killed and 1357 injured due to political violence in the last three months.

The report covering human rights situations all over the country also showed that six journalists were injured, eight arrested, nine assaulted and 32 were given threats.

In the last three months, a total of 144 women were reportedly victims of human rights violations owing to rape, acid violence or dowry, the report also added.

Besides, a total of 39 people, including eight children, 23 women and eight men were victims of acid attack across the country, the report said.

Indian BSF allegedly killed 37 Bangladeshi, injured 31, arrested four and abducted 27 from January 1 to March 31, the report pointed out.

Odhikar expressed concern over the arrests made under the Special Powers Act of 1974.