Commission demanded for victims of enforced disappearances

Victims and human rights experts have demanded the formation of a commission, psychological rehabilitation, fair compensation and a dedicated fund for the families of individuals who have been victims of enforced disappearances by state forces over the past 16 years.

The call was made today (7 August) at a special consultative meeting held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital, jointly organised by the International Institute of Law and Diplomacy and the Bangladesh 2.0 Initiative.

Attendees highlighted that despite numerous people having gone missing over the last 16 years, a comprehensive list remains unavailable. They noted that the families of the disappeared have faced severe financial hardship and psychological trauma.

The speakers emphasised forming a commission and establishing a financial fund for these families. They also said psychological rehabilitation for the victims and their family members is needed urgently.

Mahadi Amin, an adviser to BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, said, "We have failed to fulfil our responsibility, either as a state or politically, to those whose blood laid the foundation for a new Bangladesh. How much money is needed to help the families of the disappeared? With political commitment, it is possible to stand by every family. This should be a primary responsibility of the state."

He added, "As I represent the BNP, our top leadership has the highest level of accountability. Tarique Rahman has committed that if the BNP returns to power, he will stand by the victims with the utmost sincerity. This is one of our key commitments."

Renowned photographer Shahidul Alam stressed that, in addition to physical suffering, the psychological torment of the victims must be addressed. "How many more seminars will we hold? That should not happen. It is important to adopt effective, realistic measures. We must remind everyone not to play games with the victims for political gain. Without a truly different political culture, no changes will come."

Barrister Sara Hossain noted, "We are not doing enough for the victims. While justice is necessary, we must ensure that new injustices do not occur in the pursuit of swift justice." She suggested that financial assistance for victims should not be limited to providing flats but should be needs-based, with a proper system for distribution.

Huma Khan, senior human rights adviser for the United Nations in Bangladesh, said, "We must do more for the disappeared, beyond just seeking justice. Political parties can reach a consensus on forming a commission. The problems they face should be resolved. In this matter, I am ready to assist from my position."

During the event, over a dozen victims of enforced disappearances shared their experiences.

Barrister Arman, a victim, said, "Victims are unable to find jobs or run businesses. A commission for disappearances and a fund for victims should be established immediately. The government would not need taxpayer money; the whole world would help." He questioned why the government could not help these few families.

Another victim, Colonel Hasinur, stated that Sheikh Hasina did everything necessary to turn Bangladesh into a "jihadist state." He claimed that some victims of disappearances were released after being falsely charged with terrorism. He called for a commission to resolve this "terrorism drama."

AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Manju recounted his own story of torture and stressed the importance of witnesses testifying to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Mohammad Asadullah, an associate professor at the University of Regina in Canada, emphasised the importance of a decolonial local framework for a post-genocide truth and healing commission.

Mustain Zahir, a member of the Constitutional Reform Commission; Apurbo Jahangir, deputy press secretary to the chief adviser; and human rights experts Jianul Kabir, Samaruh Mirza, Brigadier (retd) Hasan Nasir and Saif Arefin also spoke at the meeting.

The event was moderated by Sharmila Naoshin Ritu, executive director of the Bangladesh 2.0 Initiative, and Barrister Tajrian Akram Hossain, a Junior Consultant for the United Nations.