NN Online:
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that democracy-loving citizens lived in fear of enforced disappearances throughout the Awami League’s time in power.
In a statement issued to mark the International Week of the Disappeared, Fakhrul accused the former AL government of systematically abducting and disappearing political opponents—especially BNP leaders and activists—over a span of more than 15 years, despite international condemnation.
“Even though these abductions happened in broad daylight, the ousted Awami League regime continued to shamelessly deny them on global platforms,” he said.
Fakhrul stressed that only a truly democratic government—one elected through a free and fair election—can guarantee the safety and security of its citizens, as such a government remains accountable to the people.
Citing a report from an international human rights organization, Fakhrul noted that approximately 666 people were victims of enforced disappearances in Bangladesh between 2009 and March 2024 at the hands of law enforcement agencies. According to BNP’s own records, the actual number is even higher.
He added that while some of the disappeared were later found dead or shown arrested after long periods, many remain unaccounted for.
The BNP Secretary General also extended his deep sympathy to the victims of enforced disappearances and their families—both in Bangladesh and around the world.
