Dhaka: BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today emphasized the public’s demand for a robust legal framework to address the gaps and deficiencies in the current ordinance on enforced disappearances.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizvi expressed these views during a discussion and prayer gathering at the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan. The event was organized to demand the discovery of missing former organizational secretary Elias Ali and his driver, both victims of enforced disappearance.
Rizvi highlighted the country’s transition from difficult times towards prosperity, stressing that the benefits should extend to the entire nation rather than just individuals or specific groups. He criticized the existing ordinance on enforced disappearance, pointing out its numerous shortcomings and loopholes. Rizvi urged the government to address these issues by enacting a strong law that would prevent future administrations from resorting to enforced disappearances.
He called for an effective law to be passed in Parliament, ensuring that political adversaries cannot be made to disappear in the future. Rizvi underscored the public’s demand for a clear governmental stance on this critical issue.
Referring to various government initiatives, Rizvi noted that the BNP-backed government is swiftly implementing its promises since coming to power, including measures like waiving interest on agricultural loans and distributing family and farmer cards.
Addressing the issue of disappeared persons, Rizvi emphasized that many political leaders and activists remain missing. He stressed the importance of locating their whereabouts and holding those responsible for these incidents accountable under the law. Rizvi also called for the identification and interrogation of officials involved in disappearances to uncover the truth, as the public seeks answers regarding how, where, and why these disappearances occurred.
The event was presided over by BNP’s Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarfat Ali Sapu, with participation from BNP Joint Secretary-General Advocate Abdus Salam Azad, Co-Organizational Secretary Professor Aminul Islam, and other party leaders and activists.