Probe commission finds 1,600 enforced disappearance cases: Yunus
The probe commission investigating allegations of enforced disappearances has reported at least 1,600 cases as of October, occurring during the Awami League government, and the actual number could surpass 3,500, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus said in his national address this evening.
"We will seek justice not only for the July-August killings but for all crimes committed over the past 15 years," he added.
The chief adviser added that many people are afraid to report enforced disappearance cases to the commission, fearing retaliation or harm from the accused individuals.
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"I want to assure you – report your complaints to the commission without hesitation. No one will dare to harm you again," he said.
He also mentioned that efforts are underway to bring those involved in enforced disappearances, murders, and the July-August massacres to justice, not only domestically but also in international courts.
"I have already discussed this matter with Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court," he added.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus stated that the accounts shared by victims with the members of the Disappearance Commission are extremely heartbreaking.
"We will ensure that those responsible face justice, no matter how powerful they are or which force they belong to. There will be no exceptions," he said.
He further noted that to prevent members of law enforcement or anyone else from engaging in crimes such as murder or enforced disappearances, the government has signed the international convention against enforced disappearances.
"The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, recently visited Bangladesh and has offered support in investigating the July-August killings," Yunus added.
Dr Yunus mentioned that the UN High Commission has promised to deliver their report in the first week of December.
"We are maintaining regular communication with them for the investigation of forced disappearance cases as well. They have proposed increasing their personnel in Dhaka to support human rights efforts, and we have accepted this proposal," he said.
