Govt remains committed to ensuring justice for enforced disappearance victims: Law Minister 

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman today (5 April) assured the Parliament that the government remains committed to ensuring justice for victims of enforced disappearances. 

He explained that the repeal to the concerned ordinance was recommended to avoid legal conflicts and ensure more stringent punishments.

The Law Minister pointed out that the definition of disappearance has already been integrated into the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Act, which carries penalties as severe as life imprisonment or death. 

In contrast, the current ordinance provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years.

Regarding the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, the Minister stated that certain time limits for investigations within the current framework could lead to further harassment of victims. 

He assured the House that updated, more comprehensive bills would be introduced during the current or subsequent session after consultations with stakeholders, including survivors like Barrister Arman.

Minister Asaduzzaman emphasised that there is no intention to let perpetrators escape through legal loopholes, citing the high-profile disappearance cases of individuals like incumbent Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed as evidence of the gravity with which the government views these crimes.

Earlier, standing on a point of order, emotion-choked Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, a Member of Parliament for the Dhaka-14 constituency and a survivor of enforced disappearance, expressed concern in the Parliament over a special committee's recommendation to lapse an Ordnance related with the enforced disappearance.

Bin Quasem, also known as Barrister Arman, questioned how a government led by victims of torture could suggest repealing a law designed to prevent such atrocities. 

He urged the House to approve and enact the ordinance first, suggesting that any necessary amendments could be made later.