International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances today

Bangladesh is observing the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances today, with calls for justice, the return of the disappeared, and attention to a new draft law aimed at preventing such crimes.

In December 2010, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance was adopted at a UN conference, and August 30 was declared the International Day to honor victims of enforced disappearances. Since 2011, Bangladesh has also observed this day. However, this year, it is being marked in a different context.

On the occasion, Mayer Dak (Mother’s Call), an organization of the families of disappeared victims, along with various human rights groups, has organized programs calling for the return of the disappeared and justice for those responsible.

Meanwhile, on August 28, the Advisory Council gave preliminary approval to the draft Enforced Disappearance Prevention, Remedy, and Protection Ordinance, 2025, which will receive final approval after further review.

At a briefing on the council meeting, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said that the draft ordinance had been revised based on feedback from the Commission on Enforced Disappearances, the Bangladesh Legal Aid Services Trust (BLAST), Human Rights Watch, other human rights organizations, and two consultation meetings with the Law and Justice Division.

He added that the draft ordinance defines enforced disappearance, recognizes it as a continuing crime, and includes provisions for severe punishments, including the death penalty.

It also criminalizes the establishment or use of secret detention centers. The National Human Rights Commission will have the authority to receive and investigate complaints of enforced disappearances.

The ordinance provides for the establishment of tribunals, mandatory trial completion within 120 days of indictment, protection of victims, whistleblowers, and witnesses, as well as compensation and legal assistance for victims.

Meanwhile, at an event on Friday, Nur Khan Liton, Executive Director of Ain o Salish Kendra, said that although some initiatives by the Commission on Enforced Disappearances may soon produce results, the culture of enforced disappearance cannot be eradicated unless the “fascist mindset” is eliminated.

SM Moinul Karim, a prosecutor at the International Crimes Tribunal, noted that sufficient measures have yet to be taken for the victims and stressed the importance of speaking out against injustice.