Allegations of enforced disappearance of Miraj Sheikh in Mongla, ASK demands impartial investigation

Human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has demanded an impartial and transparent investigation into the Coast Guard over allegations of the enforced disappearance of Miraj Sheikh, a resident of Joymonir Ghol area in Mongla upazila of Bagerhat. The organisation made the demand based on preliminary findings.

According to ASK, on the evening of April 10, several individuals identifying themselves as Coast Guard members forcibly took Miraj Sheikh from in front of a tea shop in the Joymonir Ghol area. Eyewitnesses claimed he was later put on a Coast Guard speedboat. Miraj's wife also claimed she had seen him in the custody of Coast Guard members at the Harbaria Coast Guard station.

Miraj Sheikh has been missing since the incident. The High Court has ordered him to be produced before it. The international human rights organisation Human Rights Watch has also called for an investigation into the allegations.

ASK said its representatives visited the spot on May 16 and 17 and spoke to Miraj's family, eyewitnesses, local journalists, police and Coast Guard officials. The investigation revealed that when Miraj was taken, his motorcycle was left in the custody of a local shopkeeper. Later, late at night, two individuals identifying themselves as Coast Guard members reportedly took the motorcycle away.

On the other hand, Lieutenant Commander Mahbub Hossain of the Digraj Coast Guard base has completely denied the allegations of detaining or taking Miraj. He claimed the area was previously a haven for criminals and that a vested quarter was deliberately raising the allegations after illegal activities were stopped by Coast Guard operations.

Miraj's family alleged that when they went to file a general diary (GD) at the police station after the incident, they were not allowed to mention the Coast Guard. The GD was later filed stating that he had gone missing from home.

ASK's report said denying a person's whereabouts after taking them into custody, not informing the family and not producing them in court within the legal timeframe is a violation of the constitution and international human rights standards.

The organisation has called for immediate confirmation of Miraj Sheikh's whereabouts, disclosure of true information to the family, a judicial inquiry and legal action against those responsible if the allegations are proven.