CRIMES of enforced disappearance and custodial torture in secret detention centres that the law enforcement agencies committed under the deposed Awami League government continue to haunt families of the victims as their cry for justice remains unrealised. As the legal status of the missing people remains unresolved, the families cannot settle issues of property transfer and access to bank accounts. The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances established in August 2024 received 1,850 complaints of enforced disappearance, of which 1,350 have been verified. It has estimated that the final number of cases could exceed 3,500. Its interim reports show graphic details of inhuman torture that victims of enforced disappearances endured in secret detention centres, popularly referred to as aynaghar. Many victim families related their continued struggle for justice in the events organised to observe International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances in Dhaka on August 30 as they are yet to know the fate of their loved ones. The commission has taken steps to trace whereabouts of the victims but fears that many have probably been killed. The government needs to set up facilities to address immediate needs of the victim鈥檚 families, including legal aid and psycho-social support.
This is promising that the interim government has already taken a number of initiatives to end enforced disappearances. In August 2024, Bangladesh signed the instrument of accession to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances. The government has in principle approved the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedies and Protection Ordinance 2025, which is a foundational step towards recognising state-sponsored enforced disappearances and trying the perpetrators. Legally recognising the crime is an important step in securing justice, but equally important is to ensure a judicious trial. Legal cases filed with the International Crimes Tribunal have not seen much progress. For a judicious trial, the government should ensure that the perpetrators in no way influence or hinder the investigation or trial. In October 2024, the commission reported that changes were made to the secret detention centres apparently to destroy evidence, which is gravely concerning. Some families received threats from those involved in the enforced disappearance of their loved ones. The government should therefore ensure an enabling environment for the commission to ensure justice and the law and enforcement agencies should cooperate in the investigation.
The government should bring all parties, including errant members of law enforcement and intelligence agencies, responsible to justice and make the required reforms to the operation of law enforcement and intelligence units. For an immediate relief of families of the victims, the government should consider setting up a unit to provide psycho-social support and assist in settling issues of property transfer and related concerns.
