Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today committed to providing comprehensive support to the Commission of Enquiry on Enforced Disappearances in their efforts to identify and hold accountable those responsible for enforced disappearances between 2009 and 2024. During a meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna, attended by several advisers and key officials, the Chief Adviser assured the commission members of the government's full cooperation. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the commission plans to submit an interim report to the government by mid-December before continuing its investigation. Law Adviser Asif Nazrul indicated that the government would consider extending the commission's tenure if necessary and is prepared to issue legal provisions to protect the victims. Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, the commission's chairman, reported that as of October 31, they had received approximately 1,600 complaints, scrutinized 400, and interviewed 140 complainants. A commission member expre ssed concern over the high number of complaints and noted that fear of retaliation from law enforcement agencies might deter many from coming forward, suggesting that the actual number of incidents could be much higher. The commission estimated that enforced disappearances might number at least 3,500 and emphasized their ongoing efforts to identify both perpetrators and instigators. It was noted that many victims are currently imprisoned, with some facing death sentences after coerced confessions. Additionally, some victims are suspected to be held in neighboring India. To aid their investigation, commission members requested government assistance in safeguarding evidence found in secretive locations where victims were allegedly confined. They also urged the government to impose travel restrictions on the accused and consider revoking their passports. Home Adviser Lt Gen. (retired) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury pledged to act promptly once the commission provides a list of accused individuals. Mahfuj Alam, sp ecial assistant to the Chief Adviser, stressed the importance of making the commission's findings public to expose those responsible for supervising the enforced disappearances. The meeting was attended by various advisers and officials, including Salehuddin Ahmed, Nurjahan Begum, Adilur Rahman Khan, M Sakhawat Hussain, Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud, special assistant to the Chief Adviser, Lt Gen. (retired) Abdul Hafiz, cabinet secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid, and principal secretary to the Chief Adviser, Md Siraj Uddin Mia.
