Dhaka:The government of Bangladesh is determined to permanently end the practice of enforced disappearances and take effective measures to prevent such incidents along with extrajudicial killings, custodial deaths, and politically motivated persecution, as stated by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Minister Ahmed expressed the government's commitment to addressing the needs of victims' families, promising justice, rehabilitation, compensation, and state recognition for those subjected to enforced disappearances. The minister emphasized that such practices must be eradicated to ensure they never return to Bangladesh.
The remarks were made during a briefing at the Parliament Media Centre following the ninth meeting of the Special Committee on Constitutional Amendment of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad. The meeting featured accounts from family members of the disappeared, as well as individuals who have suffered under the 17-year rule of the Awami League government. Participants shared their experiences and demands for justice, with the minister indicating that the Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance Act provides for victim compensation and management of missing persons' property.
Minister Ahmed also highlighted the importance of investigations into allegations against law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that such investigations would be conducted by a different agency to ensure accountability. The committee intends to recommend constitutional safeguards and other legal measures to protect human rights in Bangladesh.
The meeting, attended by various government officials and members of parliament, also discussed proposals for constitutional amendments, including the reintroduction of the caretaker government system. Further proposals and discussions are expected as the constitutional amendment process continues.