‘Disappearance probe faces sabotage fears’

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Md Aminul Islam has urged the families of victims of enforced disappearance to remain alert, warning that those involved in such crimes are “extremely powerful and criminal elements.”

He made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists at his office in the capital on Sunday.

“We are requesting the members of the families of the disappeared to remain alert. We are also asking law enforcement agencies to stay vigilant and seeking overall cooperation from the government,” Aminul said.

“Above all, we will complete the investigation into the enforced disappearances as quickly as possible and bring those responsible to trial,” he added.

‘Widespread and systematic’ crimes
The chief prosecutor said the incidents of enforced disappearance had been characterised as a “widespread and systematic attack” because individual cases bore similarities to one another.

“For this reason, we have identified them as widespread and systematic crimes and considered them as crimes against humanity,” he said.

Aminul said the involvement of the same individuals had repeatedly emerged in connection with the 251 victims of enforced disappearance who have so far not returned.

“That is why we are calling it a widespread and systematic crime,” he said.

He said the prosecution was taking the possibility of further threats into account while continuing its investigations.

“We believe there is no reason to consider the criminals as friends at all times. They may strike at any time in their own way. Keeping this in mind, we are carrying out our work,” he said.

“Just as we are remaining vigilant, we will ask the government to remain equally alert. We will also advise the families of the victims to remain cautious,” he added.

Aminul stressed that the investigations must not be disrupted in any way and that no one should be allowed to sabotage the process or create obstacles to the probe.

Tribunal security strengthened
The chief prosecutor said security personnel at the tribunal had been alerted and instructed to strengthen security measures.

“Some of the movements and activities of certain accused persons have appeared suspicious to them,” he said.

He added that the prosecution had received confidential information indicating that some accused persons might carry out acts of sabotage or subversive activities at any time.

Proposed law on enforced disappearances
Regarding the proposed law on enforced disappearances, Aminul said the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedy Act was already in the process of being enacted.

“You know that a law called the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedy Act is already in the process of being enacted. It is a highly timely law,” he said.

He said the legislation could give fresh momentum to the prosecution of enforced disappearance cases across the country.

“Through this law, the prosecution of enforced disappearance cases across the country may gain a new momentum,” he added.

55 families visit Chief Prosecutor’s Office
Meanwhile, 55 families of victims of enforced disappearance visited the Chief Prosecutor’s Office on Sunday.

They were led by Sanjida Islam Tuli, coordinator of Mayer Dak, an organisation representing relatives of victims of enforced disappearance.

The families visited the office as part of the ongoing process of investigating the disappearances. The investigation agency will record statements from the family members.

The statements are expected to assist investigators in gathering information about the circumstances surrounding the disappearances and the whereabouts of those who remain missing.