Dhaka: Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has called for an independent mechanism to investigate allegations of enforced disappearances, stating that agencies accused of such violations should not be permitted to investigate the cases themselves.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the rights organisation made the demand during a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, ahead of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. HRSS emphasized that investigations into allegations against law enforcement agencies should be conducted by an independent investigative body, an independent National Human Rights Commission, or a specialised authority.
HRSS further urged the government to reconsider certain provisions in the proposed Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedy Act, 2026, which could allow investigations into allegations against law enforcement agencies to remain within the same system. While the organisation acknowledged the recognition of enforced disappearance as a criminal offence under the proposed law as a positive step, it cautioned that the law would not meet its objectives without ensuring independent investigations and adequate protection for victims and witnesses.
Referring to the final report of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, HRSS noted that the commission had received 1,569 complaints, with evidence suggesting political motives behind most disappearances. The commission reported that 36 bodies had been recovered, while 251 people remained missing, and it believed the actual number could be higher.
HRSS called for prompt, independent, and impartial investigations into allegations of enforced disappearance between 2009 and 2024, demanding that those responsible be brought to justice. The organisation stressed that accountability should extend beyond field-level personnel to include those who ordered, planned, or authorised operations, highlighting the need to clearly define 'command responsibility' in the proposed law.
The organisation also urged the government to hold consultations with victims' families, civil society representatives, lawyers, human rights defenders, and experts before finalising the proposed legislation. It called for specific deadlines for investigations, accountability for delays, protection for complainants and witnesses, and regular updates to victims' families on the progress of investigations.
HRSS also demanded that accused government officials not be granted special immunity during investigations or trials. It called for ensuring the National Human Rights Commission's genuine independence in line with the Paris Principles, including financial and administrative autonomy and the authority to conduct independent investigations.
Additionally, the organisation demanded compensation, legal assistance, medical and psychological support, educational assistance, and social rehabilitation for victims of enforced disappearance and their families, stressing that families must have the 'right to truth' to know what happened to their missing relatives.