Govt mulling rehabilitation for enforced disappearance victims' families: Asif Nazrul

The government is considering the rehabilitation of families affected by enforced disappearances, said Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Asif Nazrul today (15 November).

"Disappearance is more horrifying than murder. While there may be limitations in capacity, the government remains fully committed to enacting laws against enforced disappearances," he stressed.

He made the remarks at the inaugural session of the 8th Congress of Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD), organised in collaboration with rights organisation Odhikar, in Dhaka's Gulshan, according to media reports.

The adviser acknowledged the significant challenges in countering what he referred to as the entrenched influence of past authoritarian regime, noting, "The roots of fascism run deep. Tackling 15 years of rule in a matter of weeks is a daunting task."

As of 31 October, the Inquiry Commission on Enforced Disappearances identified eight secret detention cells in Dhaka and received over 1,600 disappearance complaints involving various law enforcement agencies.

The commission, headed by the retired High Court judge, Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, was formed by the interim government on 27 August, to investigate cases of enforced disappearances that occurred between 6 January 2009 and 5 August 2024.

The government also enhanced the commission's authority in line with the Commission of Inquiry Act of 1956, allowing it to possess the judicial powers of a civil court, summon individuals, access any location, and seize relevant documents.

The commission can also direct the police to investigate any matter, and if it uncovers any evidence of criminal offence, it can refer the case to the magistrate court for prosecution under the Penal Code.