Dhaka: Leaders and activists of a Jamaat-e-Islami led 11-party alliance, in collaboration with the National Committee for Observing the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearance, marched towards the National Parliament and staged a sit-in program on Sunday. Their mission was to submit a 14-point memorandum to the Speaker of the Parliament, urging the enactment of a law addressing enforced disappearances.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the coalition began its march from the capital's Banglamotor area in the afternoon before congregating at the parliament premises. A delegation led by Brigadier General (Brevet) Hasinur Rahman (Retd.), who himself was a victim of enforced disappearance during the Awami regime, along with alliance leaders, submitted the memorandum to the Speaker from their sit-in location.
The 14-point memorandum includes critical demands such as the creation of a victim-centric law that aligns with international standards, incorporation of protections from the 2025 Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedy Ordinance, and the establishment of an independent investigation commission free from control by security agencies. It also calls for a specific deadline for the implementation of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances' recommendations.
After the meeting with the Speaker, Hasinur Rahman expressed optimism, stating, "We went to the speaker with a lot of hope, we presented all of our points and he didn't disagree with us." The event saw the participation of top leaders from the 11-party coalition, including Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Parwar, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General and alliance coordinator Hamidur Rahman Azad, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Jalaluddin Ahmed, and Jatiya Ganatantric Party (JAGPA) spokesperson Rashed Prodhan.
Additionally, members from the Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) and National Citizens' Party (NCP) participated in the program, demonstrating a united front in their demand for legislative action on enforced disappearances.