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Staff Reporter
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, stated that investigations by the Disappearance Commission and security forces indicated the existence of 700-800 Aynaghor locations across the country outside Dhaka, with additional sites continuing to be uncovered. He made these remarks during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Wednesday.
“The Human Rights Watch report explicitly states that the former autocrat, Sheikh Hasina, was involved in enforced disappearances and killings, and these actions were carried out under her orders,” he said.
Earlier that day, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus visited three clandestine detention and torture sites in Agargaon, Kochukhet, and Uttara, which have come to be known as Aynaghor.
Referring to recent media claims, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam commented, “There have been assertions that Aynaghor locations were not being inspected. As you can see, several locations in Dhaka have already been visited, and all Aynaghor sites in Bangladesh will be identified.”
Describing the visits, he noted that two of the sites were operated by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), while one was run by the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI).
He stated, “The visits revealed how detainees were confined and subjected to torture, as well as how staged scenarios were created. Some detainees were held for as long as seven to eight years. Their testimonies are deeply distressing. The Chief Adviser personally visited each location, where former detainees shared their harrowing experiences. Unfortunately, we could not bring everyone along, and we deeply regret this. However, we have documented everything through Bangladesh Television (BTV), and only two media outlets were permitted to accompany us.”
Responding to a query, the Press Secretary said, “The rooms we visited were very small, with some sites featuring passages created by breaking bricks. The entire process was logistically challenging. We also included Al Jazeera and Netra News, as Netra News played a significant role in covering Aynaghor. Only one journalist from each of these media outlets was permitted. Due to logistical constraints, we could not accommodate more personnel.”
He added, “All members of the Awami League involved in enforced disappearances, killings, and murders will be brought to justice. This is a certainty.”
Regarding arrest warrants, Shafiqul Alam stated, “The Disappearance Commission is handling cases involving individuals with warrants, and updates will be provided in due course.”
On the matter of potential evidence destruction at Aynaghor, he remarked, “The Disappearance Commission is investigating whether any evidence has been tampered with. Prosecutors from the International Crimes Tribunal are also reviewing the cases. Every Aynaghor site will be sealed as evidence, as they are crucial to legal proceedings. The Commission will determine if any evidence was deliberately destroyed.”