Representational Image.

DHAKA, August 30, 2025 (BSS) - The International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances was observed across the country today, drawing attention to the plight of those who have gone missing under mysterious or unlawful circumstances.

To mark the occasion, various human rights organizations, including the victims' families' group "Mayer Dak", organized different programs aimed at raising awareness and demanding justice.

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. This step will be crucial for the protection of human rights in the country."

On the occasion of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami have also issued statements. BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman, secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and Jamaat's Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar, have issued separate messages on the occasion.

Enforced disappearance is a global issue, especially in autocratic regimes and politically unstable regions. Security forces or law enforcement agencies in certain countries often use such tactics against government-opposing movements or political dissidents. Families of victims are often left without any information about their loved ones, and are deprived of their right to justice.

The United Nations has designated August 30 as the International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances since 2011, to ensure that necessary measures are taken globally to trace disappeared individuals and to show solidarity with their families.

The day also marks the adoption of an international convention on December 20, 2006, at the UN General Assembly to prevent enforced disappearances and end the impunity surrounding the crime. In 2010, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance was enacted, and August 30 was officially declared as the International Day.

Families of the disappeared and various governmental and non-governmental organizations observe the day.

The main objective of this day is to highlight the inhuman crime of enforced disappearance on the global stage and to exert pressure on states to be held accountable. The day is being observed in Bangladesh since 2011.

Enforced disappearance is a relatively new issue in Bangladesh, but it has sparked intense discussions.

The brutality of enforced disappearances, where individuals were detained in secret facilities during the Awami League's tenure, is chillingly depicted in reports published by the Enforced Disappearance Commission and various international organizations.

Particularly, during the Awami League's rule, incidents of the abduction of opposition political leaders, human rights activists, and even journalists have come to light. Family members have mostly alleged that people were abducted by law enforcement agencies, but later their whereabouts remained unknown.

The discussions took on a new dimension after the mass uprising in July 2024. The interim government is currently investigating these disappearance incidents. Applications have been submitted to the International Criminal Tribunal regarding the cases of enforced disappearance. The victims and their families have filed complaints.

Bangladesh has signed the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and has formed the Enforced Disappearance Investigation Commission. The commission has submitted two interim reports so far. During the Awami League's tenure, many political leaders, activists, human rights defenders, and others were victims of enforced disappearances in the name of suppressing dissent. Investigations are ongoing, and alarming new details are emerging. Family members of the victims have demanded strict punishment for those involved in the disappearances.