On 12 February 2026, the National Parliamentary Election and a referendum were held in Bangladesh, where the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) achieved a landslide victory in the election, and the “Yes” vote won in the referendum. On 17 February, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government led by Mr. Tarique Rahman took oath and assumed office, marking the BNP’s return to state power after two decades. Although the new government has taken some positive initiatives, instability in the market of essential commodities during the month of Ramadan, the deaths of more than three hundred and fifty people during Eid travel across the country, the deaths of over fifty children due to a measles outbreak, and the deaths of at least six expatriate Bangladeshis in the Middle East during the Iran–United States–Israel war, along with instability regarding fuel oil in Bangladesh, have created discomfort and panic among the public, posing major challenges for the new government. Furthermore, among the 133 ordinances issued by the interim government, the decision not to pass several important ordinances in parliament has raised public concerns regarding the new government’s commitment to upholding justice and human rights. The cancellation of the Referendum Ordinance, the Supreme Court Judges Appointment Ordinance, and the Independent Secretariat Ordinance, as well as the recommendation to suspend the National Human Rights Commission and Anti-Enforced Disappearance Ordinances in the name of review, is disappointing.

Although March 2026 passed with the historical significance of Bangladesh’s Independence Day, the overall human rights situation in the country remained concerning. The continuation of political instability, violence, and retaliatory activities surrounding the recently concluded national parliamentary election persisted throughout the month. As a result, clashes, attacks, vandalism, and arson incidents occurred in various places, leaving many people injured and affected. At the same time, growing incidents of journalist repression, violence against women, child abuse, persecution of minorities, misuse of the Cyber Security Ordinance-2025, mob violence, deaths in prison custody, and violence centering on dominance have raised concerns regarding citizens’ security and the rule of law.

During March, massive Eid-ul-Fitr travel across the country led to multiple road and waterway accidents, causing the deaths of more than three hundred and fifty people and injuring many others, clearly exposing serious limitations in the country’s public safety system. During the current month, the deaths of more than fifty children in 56 districts due to measles infections have highlighted weaknesses in the public health system and shortcomings in vaccination programs. In addition, rising commodity prices are creating severe pressure on the lives of ordinary people. In particular, the increase in the cost of essential food items, fuel, and transportation is placing additional burdens on low- and middle-income people, significantly reducing their purchasing power. In March, incidents related to collecting fuel at filling stations caused the deaths of 3 people and left several others injured, creating deep concern. Weak market monitoring and supply shortages are further complicating the situation.

Based on reports published in 16 national media outlets in Bangladesh and information collected by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), the following findings have emerged in the human rights monitoring report for March 2026.