Dhaka: The interim government-commissioned body investigating enforced disappearances in Bangladesh has identified a ‘culture of denialism’ as a significant obstacle in uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability. The issue, which was prominent during the tenure of the ousted Awami League regime, continues to challenge the commission’s efforts.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the commission’s second interim report highlights that the Awami League consistently denied the systematic practice of enforced disappearances. Despite the change in governance on August 5, 2024, the commission struggles to address this denialism, as many alleged perpetrators remain in influential positions.
The report details the challenges faced by the commission, including evidence destruction, institutional non-cooperation, witness intimidation, and a pervasive climate of fear. These factors have hindered efforts to fully expose the system without risking further victimization of those already affected.
Victims’ testimonies, along with national and international media coverage, have revealed the existence of secret detention cells, now confirmed by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’ visits with victims. Despite this, many of those complicit in the system remain in power, particularly within security forces, perpetuating a culture of fear and silence.
The commission’s analysis of a dataset of 253 individuals supports their findings, with documentation such as general diary entries and media reports corroborating their disappearances. Upon reappearance, these individuals were often charged by state agencies, confirming their custody status during the disappearance period.
The report accuses the Awami League of using counterterrorism as a means to consolidate power, compromising the justice system, and institutionalizing torture and secret detention. Data from the Anti-Terrorism Tribunal indicates politically motivated case inflows and outflows, often targeting opposition party supporters and intra-party rivals.
The commission acknowledges terrorism as a genuine threat but emphasizes the importance of addressing it with integrity and analytical clarity. The 2016 Holey Artisan Bakery attack serves as a reminder of the complexity of extremism in Bangladesh, challenging the narrative that it is confined to specific societal segments.
The report calls for justice system reforms to address fabricated anti-terrorism cases entangling victims of enforced disappearance. Many face charges for crimes they could not have committed due to being in state custody, presenting a grave miscarriage of justice.
Senior police and military intelligence officials have suggested drawing lessons from successful international counterterrorism strategies focused on prevention and rehabilitation. The report contrasts the UK’s emphasis on integration and early intervention with the US’s militarized approach, advocating for a holistic strategy in Bangladesh that addresses ideological, social, and economic extremism drivers.