Dhaka: Government officials have announced the formation of a powerful permanent commission aimed at curbing enforced disappearances in the future. Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser on Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, revealed this initiative during a discussion with journalists following a meeting at his office with a delegation from the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting included Grazyna Baranowska, Vice-Chairperson, and Ana Lorena Delgadillo Perez, a member of the United Nations Working Group. Dr. Nazrul stated that the government plans to draft an act within a month to prevent enforced disappearances. He addressed concerns about the potential repeal of this act by future governments, noting that parties such as the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, or NCP, who have been victims of enforced disappearances, are strongly opposed to such actions.
Dr. Nazrul criticized the previous Awami League government for not allowing WGEID to visit Bangladesh and for failing to respond to their communications. He emphasized the current government's commitment to investigating and prosecuting cases of enforced disappearances, highlighting the positive response from WGEID regarding the new legislative initiative.
Discussing the potential formation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Dr. Nazrul referenced the successful implementation of such commissions in South Africa, although noting less success in Sri Lanka and Nepal. He mentioned that a delegation led by the Chief Justice visited South Africa to learn from their experiences and that a regional conference is planned. This conference will involve experts from Sri Lanka, Nepal, and South Africa, and will consider input from political parties, civil society, human rights groups, and student organizations in Bangladesh.