Enforced disappearance ordinance unnecessary, says ICT chief prosecutor
He added that if the ordinance had been repealed and incorporated into the Tribunal Act, it would be a positive step.
International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam has said the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Redress Ordinance, 2025, was unnecessary, as provisions to try such offences already existed under the tribunal's law.
He made the remarks today (7 April) while responding to a question from journalists at a press conference held at his office.
"I did not feel there was a necessity to form another law and tribunal where the jurisdiction to try allegations of enforced disappearance already existed under this Act. That is, the trial of enforced disappearance is possible under the Tribunal Act itself," he said.
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He added that if the ordinance has been repealed and incorporated into the Tribunal Act, it would be a positive step.
"If the Enforced Disappearance Ordinance has been repealed and tagged with the Tribunal Act, then I express my gratitude to the law minister and the Members of Parliament. This is because it seemed to me that this Enforced Disappearance Ordinance was an unnecessary law," he said.
The chief prosecutor said merging the provisions with the existing law was appropriate.
Meanwhile, the International Crimes Tribunals (Amendment) Bill 2026 was passed in the National Parliament on the same day, paving the way for the trial of enforced disappearances at the tribunal.
Through the amendment, enforced disappearance has been defined as a crime against humanity.
The bill was passed by a voice vote after being placed in parliament by Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman.
Earlier yesterday (6 April), the law minister said that the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Redress Ordinance, 2025, is flawed and will be reintroduced in parliament.
