Enforced disappearance perpetrators still threatening victims, families: Inquiry commission chief

Perpetrators involved in enforced disappearances continue to threaten the victims and their families, said Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, chairman of the Enquiry Commission for Enforced Disappearances today (19 June).

"Do you want us to expose the names involved [the officials involved in enforced disappearances]? They are still in contact with the victims and threatening families who are already traumatised," he told journalists at a press conference in the capital's Gulshan.

"We're not exposing the names of the perpetrators to ensure the safety of the victims' families. We have records of threatening phone calls," he added.

In response to a journalist's question on why the names of the perpetrators have not been made public – particularly since the visiting UN Working Group raised concerns about those involved still holding powerful positions – Moyeenul Islam said, "According to the terms of reference, that is not our responsibility. Our job was to investigate and submit the report. It is now up to the government to take further action."

At the press briefing, Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury also said that Bangladesh's approach to countering terrorism is flawed. "The previous regime used terrorism as a tool to silence political opposition and suppress public dissent. We need anti-terrorism strategies similar to those in Malaysia or Indonesia," he said.

When asked about Indian involvement in enforced disappearance cases, he responded, "That does not fall under our jurisdiction. Unfortunately, we can't take any action as they are officials of another country."