City Desk :
The International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances was observed across the country on Saturday, drawing attention to the plight of those who have gone missing under mysterious or unlawful circumstances.
To mark the occasion, various human rights organisations, including the victims’ families’ group “Mayer Dak”, organised different programmes aimed at raising awareness and demanding justice, reports UNB.
On August 28, the Council of Advisers of the government gave approval in principle of the draft “Enforced Disappearance Prevention, Remedies and Protection Ordinance 2025” in its 40th meeting at the Chief Adviser’s Office.
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam at a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy explained that the draft ordinance defines forced disappearances as a continuous crime and includes provisions for severe punishment, including the death penalty.
He also mentioned that the use of secret detention centers has been declared a punishable offense.
He said that the ordinance will empower the National Human Rights Commission to accept complaints and conduct investigations. It mandated the establishment of special tribunals, and the completion of trials within 120 days of framing charge, ensuring the protection of victims and witnesses, and providing compensation and legal assistance.
Shafiqul Alam further said, “The government is in the process of enacting effective laws to prevent any future cases of enforced disappearance in Bangladesh. While drafting this ordinance, feedback from international and national human rights organizations, along with relevant stakeholders, was taken into account.
