Govt to introduce allowance for families of enforced disappearance victims: LGRD Minister

The government will introduce a special allowance for families of victims of enforced disappearances, Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said. He also said that those responsible for such disappearances will be brought to justice.

The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a national dialogue on 'Right to Compensation and Rehabilitation' at the Krishi Bidda Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the capital on Friday, June 26.

"The government will introduce a special allowance for families of enforced disappearance victims. A proposal will be submitted to the government to include this in the current budget," the minister said.

He added that legal action against those responsible for enforced disappearances will continue to ensure justice for the victims. "The government will stand by you in all struggles," he said.

Family members of enforced disappearance victims from the previous regime were present at the dialogue, sharing their painful memories and grief.

Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament Barrister Kayser Kamal said, "Now is not the time for tears. Now is the time to claim rights. Now is the time for justice." He expressed hope for strengthening the Human Rights Commission and forming a parliamentary committee on enforced disappearances.

MPs Tahsina Rushdir Luna and Sanjida Islam Tuli, and International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam were also present.

Family members of the victims shared their expectations and experiences regarding compensation, rehabilitation and justice.