Without structural reform, the force can’t shed its past notoriety

NHRC’s autonomy, fair probe into enforced disappearances put into question

Weeks after promising stronger legal frameworks to combat state-sponsored human rights violations, the government yesterday presented new draft laws on enforced disappearances and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) that critics say strip away independent oversight and institutional strength.

He added that any democratic government has an obligation and responsibility towards the victims and their families.

The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances has recommended extensive institutional and legal reforms to end enforced disappearances and human rights abuses, including disbanding the Rapid Action Battalion, the worst offender.

Report on enforced disappearances reveals systematic political purges.

The tribunal is scheduled to hold hearing on charge framing against 17 accused

Although the interim government has repeatedly stated that it opposes mob violence, its actions have not reflected a serious commitment.

For the first time in Bangladesh’s history, 15 army officers were taken to a civil court yesterday to face trial for their alleged role in enforced disappearances under the Awami League regime and killings during the July uprising.  

The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances with the support of the cultural ministry produced a documentary titled “Unfolding the Truth” in which former Rab officers directly implicated Maj Gen Ziaul Ahsan.

Survivors of enforced disappearances broke down yesterday as they recalled the torture, humiliation, and threats they endured in secret detention centres.

He was around 15 when he was picked up, a ninth grader.

Evidence of “Aynaghar” was destroyed even after August 5, 2024, to hide the complicity of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), said the commission investigating enforced disappearances in its report to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her defence adviser Maj Gen (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, former director general of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre Maj Gen Ziaul Ahsan, and senior police officers Monirul Islam and Md Harun-Or-Rashid were all involved in enforced disappearances.

Families of the victims of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and those martyred and maimed in the July mass uprising yesterday demanded that ousted Sheikh Hasina and her party be brought to book.

Many victims injured in the July uprising, including those who lost their eyes or other body parts, also attended the rally.

But without political reforms, any change risks being superficial

Commission receives 1,600 complaints so far

The inquiry commission on enforced disappearances found eight secret detention centres in Dhaka and its surrounding areas.

Ayesha Ali has been praying every day for over 10 years to see her son.