Dhaka: Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul today announced the interim government's commitment to preventing enforced disappearances, revealing the formation of a commission to investigate allegations and uncover the truth. "The government is working to establish an effective accountability mechanism so that no one falls victim to enforced disappearance in the future," he stated at a discussion titled 'On the Road to Accountability: Commemorating the Day for the Victims of Enforced Disappearances' held at a city hotel.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (CIED) and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) jointly hosted the event to commemorate the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. Dr. Asif Nazrul mentioned that the government has signed an agreement with the United Nations to ensure such incidents do not recur. He expressed pride in the Commission on Enforced Disappearances' dedication to its responsibilities.
Dr. Nazrul also disclosed that around 20,000 politically motivated false cases from the previous government's term have been withdrawn, with some stakeholders indicating that these included cases involving genuine militants and criminals. He has instructed Dr. Nabila, a commission member, to investigate any loopholes thoroughly.
Industrial Adviser Adilur Rahman highlighted ongoing obstacles despite substantial evidence of disappearances. He noted the Commission's submission of two reports and the enduring struggle and sacrifices of the Bangladeshi people. Rahman suggested preserving former detention centers as museums to remind future generations of past authoritarianism.
Adilur Rahman expressed optimism that the joint initiative by OHCHR and the Commission would guide the judicial process for victims of disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings. Dr. Nabila Idris, a CIED member, presented a keynote paper detailing the methods and aftermath of disappearances, chaired by Commission President retired Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury.
Enforced disappearance survivor Michael Chakma emphasized the importance of prosecuting all officials involved in such crimes and suggested transforming secret prisons into museums. The roundtable included UN Senior Human Rights Adviser in Dhaka Huma Khan, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Advocate Tazul Islam, commission members, and representatives from various human rights organizations.