Views Bangladesh Logo

Advisory council gives initial nod to draft law proposing death penalty

 VB  Desk

VB Desk

The Advisory Council of the interim government has granted in-principle approval to the draft Disappearance Prevention, Remedy and Protection Ordinance, 2025, which proposes stringent penalties — including the death sentence — for crimes related to enforced disappearances.


The decision was made during a Council meeting held on Thursday (August 28). Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed the media on the outcome at the Foreign Service Academy auditorium later in the day.


“This is not a final approval. The draft will undergo further review and discussion before it is finalised and placed again before the Advisory Council,” he said.


According to the press briefing, the draft legislation classifies enforced disappearance as a continuous and grave criminal offense. It stipulates strict punishments, including capital punishment, for those found guilty. The establishment or operation of secret detention centers has also been designated a punishable crime under the proposed law.


Significantly, the draft ordinance empowers the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to receive and investigate complaints related to enforced disappearances. It also includes provisions for the formation of a special tribunal dedicated to handling such cases. The tribunal will be required to conclude trial proceedings within 120 days of commencement.


Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Faiz Ahmed were also present at the briefing.

Leave A Comment

You need login first to leave a comment

Trending Views