Staff Reporter :
Academics, politicians, activists, and civil society members have underscored the necessity of establishing a Truth and Healing Commission (THC) in Bangladesh to address post-conflict grievances and ensure justice for victims.
During a roundtable discussion titled “Truth and Healing Commission (THC) for Post-Conflict Bangladesh: A Victim-Centred Approach,” organised by the International Institute of Law and Diplomacy (IILD) and the Bangladesh 2.0 Initiative, stakeholders highlighted the importance of transitional justice, national dialogue, and institutional reforms.
The event, held at the Dr Abdullah Faruq Conference Hall in the Faculty of Business Studies at the University of Dhaka, brought together experts and policymakers to explore mechanisms for reconciliation, victim support, and accountability.
The roundtable featured notable attendees, including peace researcher and conflict resolution practitioner Professor Tatsushi Arai from Kent State University, USA; renowned photojournalist and activist Shahidul Alam; Huma Khan, Senior Human Rights Advisor at the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Bangladesh; and Hummam Quader Chowdhury, a leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The session was moderated by Barrister Tajriyaan Akram Hussain, an advocate at the District and Sessions Judge Court in Dhaka.
Professor Tatsushi Arai delivered the keynote address, discussing concepts of transitional justice such as truth and healing. Drawing on his 25 years of international experience in conflict resolution initiatives, he offered practical recommendations for establishing the proposed commission, tailored to the unique context of Bangladesh.
Activist Shahidul Alam emphasised the need for national dialogue to ensure justice for victims, highlighting the importance of creating a structured framework to bring victims’ stories to light and address their demands for justice.
Huma Khan pointed out that while the July uprising led to some changes in the government, institutions such as the police and judiciary remain largely unchanged. She raised concerns about ensuring the safety of victims in this context and noted that oppression in the region extends far beyond the last 16 years, encompassing long-standing political and historical injustices across South Asia.
Barrister Imran Abdullah stressed the need for implementing healing measures, such as a public apology, and suggested setting realistic expectations for post-conflict Bangladesh, acknowledging that prosecuting every perpetrator may not be feasible.
Hummam Quader Chowdhury shared his personal experiences of solitary confinement in Aynaghor and underscored the necessity of establishing a Truth and Healing Commission to address these systemic injustices.
The roundtable also featured Ali Ahsan Zonaed, a key leader and activist of the July uprising, who recounted his harrowing experiences during the movement in Jatrabari. Other participants included Md Ataur Rahman Talukdar, Assistant Professor at Bangladesh University of Professionals; Khandaker Raquib, Senior Researcher at the International Crimes Tribunal; journalist Sakib Sarkar; Omar Nasif Abdullah, Lecturer at North-South University; and Zahidul Islam Miaji.
Following the discussion, a working committee was formed under the proposal of Shafiul Alam Shahin, Executive Director of IILD, to advance the Truth and Healing Commission initiative. The committee members include Dr Muhammad Asadullah, Saifuddin Ahmed, Md Ataur Rahman Talukdar, Ali Ahsan Zonaed, Sakib Sarkar, Harun-or-Rashid, Barrister Tajriyaan Akram Hussain, Nousheen Sharmila Ritu, Shafiul Alam Shahin, Zahidul Islam Miaji, and Rajib Mondal.
In his concluding remarks, Shafiul Alam Shahin stated, “One of the primary goals of this commission will be to help victims overcome their trauma and reintegrate into normal life.
Merely prosecuting perpetrators will not suffice; we must also address compensation and the overall well-being of the victims. This requires direct engagement with them, listening to their stories, and understanding their needs.”
The working committee will engage with key stakeholders at various levels, including political parties, civil society members, and government representatives, to advance the initiative.
This roundtable marks a significant step toward addressing the systemic continuity of conflict in Bangladesh and fostering a victim-centred approach to justice and healing.
