Enforced disappearances in Bangladesh: Time to end the culture of impunity
Enforced disappearances are not just a violation of human rights against an individual; they are a tool of oppression that spreads fear and insecurity throughout society. Unfortunately, Bangladesh is no stranger to this grim reality
Every year on 30 August the world observes the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. This day is more than just a marker on the calendar; it is a solemn reminder of a horrific practice that continues to terrorise individuals, families, and communities across the globe.
Enforced disappearances are not just a violation of human rights against an individual; they are a tool of oppression that spreads fear and insecurity throughout society. Unfortunately, Bangladesh is no stranger to this grim reality.
The global context of enforced disappearances
Enforced disappearance, as defined by international law, occurs when a person is secretly abducted or imprisoned by the state or agents acting on its behalf, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the person's fate or whereabouts. This practice places the victim outside the protection of the law and leaves them vulnerable to torture, inhumane treatment, and even death.
The United Nations General Assembly, through its resolution 47/133 of 18 December 1992, adopted the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, emphasising that enforced disappearances constitute a grave violation of human rights.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
This heinous act, once primarily associated with military dictatorships, has evolved into a global problem. It is now used in various regions of the world as a means of political repression, often under the guise of counter-terrorism efforts.
The victims of enforced disappearances are often human rights defenders and political opponents. The impact of these disappearances extends beyond the immediate victims to their families, communities, and society as a whole.
The reality in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, enforced disappearances have become a disturbing reality, particularly under the administration of the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina. Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports that Bangladeshi security forces have committed over 600 enforced disappearances since 2009. This number includes political opponents, activists, and even ordinary citizens who found themselves at odds with the ruling party or its policies.
The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), a special paramilitary unit in Bangladesh, has been frequently implicated in these disappearances. Despite the RAB's denials, substantial evidence points to its involvement in many of these cases. The UN and international human rights organisations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have repeatedly criticised the Bangladesh government for its role in these disappearances.
Yet, the practice continues with alarming regularity, contributing to a culture of impunity that further exacerbates the human rights situation in the country.
Aynaghar: The house of mirrors
One of the most chilling aspects of enforced disappearances in Bangladesh is the existence of secret detention centres, the most notorious of which is Aynaghar. The term "Aynaghar," meaning "House of Mirrors," is aptly named because detainees inside this facility are reportedly isolated to the point where they see nothing but themselves, reflecting a disturbing reality of complete dehumanisation.
Aynaghar is allegedly operated by the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), Bangladesh's military intelligence agency. It came into the global spotlight on 14 August 2022, when the Sweden-based independent news portal Netra News published an investigative report revealing the existence of this secret facility.
The report, based on whistleblower accounts and testimonies from victims who were detained and tortured there, detailed how the facility, located within Dhaka Cantonment, holds and tortures victims of enforced disappearances.
The revelation of Aynaghar's existence has sparked international outrage, with the United Nations and various human rights organisations calling for an independent investigation. Despite these calls, the then Bangladesh government dismissed the allegations as false, further fuelling concerns about the culture of impunity that surrounds these heinous acts.
The impact on victims and their families
The victims of enforced disappearances in Bangladesh endure unimaginable suffering. They are often subjected to torture and live in constant fear for their lives. Deprived of all their rights and removed from the protection of the law, they exist in a state of legal and existential limbo. Even when they are not killed, the psychological and physical scars of their ordeal remain long after they are released, if they are released at all.
For the families of the disappeared, the anguish is equally profound. They are left in a perpetual state of uncertainty, not knowing whether their loved ones are alive or dead. This uncertainty is compounded by the material and emotional burdens they must bear. The disappeared are often the primary breadwinners, and their absence plunges their families into economic hardship.
Women, in particular, bear the brunt of this burden, as they struggle to keep their families afloat while also searching for their missing loved ones. The impact of enforced disappearances also extends to children, who may lose a parent and suffer the long-term consequences of this trauma. In many cases, children are left without any legal or financial support, exacerbating their vulnerability and marginalisation.
A tool of political repression
Enforced disappearances in Bangladesh are not random acts of violence; they are a deliberate tool of political repression. The victims are often members of opposition parties or individuals who have publicly criticised the government.
Before the controversial national election of 2014, for example, at least 20 opposition members were picked up by security forces. Most of them remain missing to this day. The message is clear: dissent will not be tolerated, and those who oppose the ruling party risk disappearing without leaving a trace.
The government's use of enforced disappearances has created a climate of fear in Bangladesh. Opposition leaders, activists, and even ordinary citizens are acutely aware that they could be the next victims. This fear is further fuelled by the government's denial of any involvement in these disappearances, even when victims later surface in custody. The result is a society in which free expression and political participation are stifled by the threat of disappearance.
The Struggle for Justice
Despite the pervasive fear and repression, the families of the disappeared in Bangladesh have not remained silent. In 2016, they founded a platform called Mayer Daak (Mother's Call) to demand answers and justice for their loved ones. This group, composed primarily of women, has become a powerful voice against enforced disappearances in the country.
However, their efforts are met with constant harassment, intimidation, and threats from the authorities. In some cases, family members searching for their disappeared loved ones have been forced to go into hiding themselves.
Internationally, Bangladesh's human rights record has drawn widespread condemnation. The United Nations has expressed concern about the increasing number of enforced disappearances and the lack of accountability for these crimes.
The way forward
The 'International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances' is an important occasion to raise awareness of this global issue and to demand justice for the victims. It is a day to remember the hundreds of individuals who have disappeared and to stand in solidarity with their families. It is also a day to call on the government to end this practice and to hold those responsible accountable.
The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2006, provides a framework for combating this crime.
It recognises enforced disappearance as a crime against humanity and affirms the right of victims and their families to seek reparations and to know the truth about what happened to their loved ones. Bangladesh, as a member of the international community, must uphold these principles and ensure that its citizens are protected from such grave violations of their rights.
H M Nazmul Alam is a Lecturer at the Department of English and Modern Languages, International University of Business, Agriculture and Technology
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard
