Dhaka: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedy Bill, 2026, paving the way for its placement before the Jatiya Sangsad.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the decision was taken at the committee's second meeting of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad held today at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, with committee chairman Zainul Abedin in the chair. The committee held detailed discussions on the scrutiny and reporting of the proposed legislation before deciding to send the bill to Parliament for consideration.
The committee expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Home Affairs for initiating the formulation and introduction of the bill, describing it as an important step aimed at preventing enforced disappearances and providing remedies to victims. The meeting commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran by National Parliament's Pesh Imam Hafiz Qari Maulana Mufti Mohammad Abu Raihan.
During the proceedings, committee members Md Nurul Islam, MP (Chapainawabganj-3), and Md Abdul Baten, MP (Dhaka-16), walked out. Committee chairman Zainul Abedin remarked that members had the opportunity to propose amendments, express opinions, make suggestions, or oppose any proposal during committee proceedings. 'However, walking out of a meeting does not fall within parliamentary norms and practices,' he stated.
The committee was also informed that no extrajudicial killing had taken place in the country during the past six months. It was further stated that while there had been attempts to create mobs during the period, no incident of political persecution had occurred. Law enforcement agencies also did not use excessive force while maintaining law and order during the period, the meeting was informed.
The meeting was attended by Home Minister and committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, Whip Rakibul Islam, Whip Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu, Shirin Sultana, Md Nurul Islam and Md Abdul Baten. Senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and other relevant agencies were also present.