Seven people were killed by torture and fire by the law enforcers and 12 died in jail custody during the period, 'Odhikar' also said, compiling media reports.

As many as 135 incidents of violence against children also took place, it added. Thirty-five children were killed, 34 injured, 23 raped and 18 abducted in the incidents. Besides, 10 children are missing, seven acid-burnt and three arrested while five committed suicide.

It said one journalist was killed, one arrested, one abducted and three others were injured during the period. Moreover, three newspersons were assaulted and one attacked, while 15 received death threats and cases were filed against five.

Eighteen people were acid-burnt, mostly as a sequel to previous enmity and over land dispute.

Odhikar also said 18 women were killed, eight tortured and one committed suicide in dowry-related violence.

Nine people were killed, 23 injured and 14 abducted in incidents of human-rights violation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts during the period.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Shishu Odhikar Forum said 553 children's rights were violated in January.

However, Bangladesh Nari Progoti Sangha said 189 incidents of women torture took place in last month, killing 66.

Fifty-three women were raped, 18 tortured, 14 acid-burnt, 13 abducted and 10 harried to suicide, the organisation added.

Meanwhile, Manobadhikar, another rights organisation, said 177 people were killed in violences in January with an average of six every day.

Bangladesh Society for the Enforcement of Human Rights (BSEHR) said in a report yesterday 339 people were killed last month including 27 in political violence.

Nineteen people were killed in mob beating, 10 after rape and eight in bomb blasts, the BSEHR added. Twelve were killed also in the border areas and three due to negligence of doctors.

Seven policemen were killed during the period while a man died in police custody, it said.