Disappearances in Bangladesh were politically motivated, commission finds

The Commission on Enforced Disappearances has revealed that disappearances carried out during the previous government were politically motivated and disguised as anti-terrorism operations. The commission also reported identifying some of those responsible for these acts.

Speaking at a press conference in Gulshan on Thursday, retired Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, chairman of the commission, said that enforced disappearances were used as a tool to suppress dissent, consolidate political power, and secure international legitimacy.

“Out of 1,850 complaints analyzed, we found evidence supporting 253 cases of enforced disappearance,” Justice Chowdhury stated. “These were not isolated incidents caused by a few rogue officials. Rather, it was a systematic, institutional campaign using the pretext of combating extremism to silence opposition.”

Victims included students, political activists, journalists, doctors, engineers, and professionals from both government and private sectors, he said. The justice system was manipulated, law enforcement agencies politicized, and a culture of torture and secret detentions became institutionalized. Some citizens were reportedly handed over illegally to Indian security forces.

According to the commission, 81% of complainants reported victims who later returned, while 19% involved missing persons who have not been found. Initial investigations into 12 unresolved disappearances have identified those allegedly responsible, though further details remain confidential due to ongoing investigations.

Justice Chowdhury emphasized the importance of upholding human rights and legal processes in tackling terrorism, warning against the use of anti-terror campaigns to suppress political opponents.

“The 2016 Holey Artisan attack underscores the reality of terrorism,” he said, “but using this threat to justify human rights abuses erodes the rule of law and public trust.”

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) was identified as the agency most involved in the enforced disappearances. Justice Chowdhury also indicated that Indian intelligence agencies played a role, but said the commission lacks jurisdiction over individuals outside Bangladesh.

Commission member Nur Khan Liton clarified that the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) was not directly responsible but likely aware of the operations. Another member, Md. Sajjad Hossain, said they have requested information from India regarding Bangladeshis imprisoned there to investigate possible cases of enforced disappearance.

The commission continues its work despite challenges including missing data and delayed information, aiming to bring accountability to these cases.