2024-12-14 16:26:00
In a significant development, the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearance has presented its interim findings, implicating former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several senior officials in incidents of enforced disappearances. The report, titled “Unfolding the Truth,” has also recommended the disbandment of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), citing its controversial role in such cases.
The interim report was submitted to the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, by the commission’s chairman, retired justice Mainul Islam Chowdhury, at a ceremony held at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka.
Key Findings
The commission reported receiving 1,676 complaints of enforced disappearances, of which 758 cases have been scrutinised so far. It estimates the total number of disappearances could exceed 3,500 cases, pointing to a “systematic design” within the operations of security forces to ensure these incidents remained undetected.
The report names several individuals allegedly involved, including:
- Former Defence Adviser: Major General (Retired) Tarique Ahmed Siddique
- Former Director General of NTMC: Sacked Major General Ziaul Ahsan
- Senior Police Officers: Monirul Islam and Md Harun-Or-Rashid
Justice Chowdhury stated that operations were deliberately fragmented, with personnel lacking knowledge of victims’ identities to ensure deniability.
Recommendation to Disband RAB
The commission’s most striking recommendation is the disbandment of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), a paramilitary force long accused of perpetrating human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
Government’s Response
Chief Adviser Professor Yunus commended the commission for its efforts, pledging full support to aid its investigations. “You are doing an incredibly important job. The government stands ready to provide whatever assistance you require,” he said.
In an unprecedented move, the Chief Adviser announced plans to visit some of the Aynaghar, or secret detention centres, identified by the commission to gain first-hand insight into the victims’ suffering.
Next Steps
Justice Chowdhury disclosed that the commission would deliver its next interim report in March 2025, requiring at least another year to complete its review of all allegations.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The report’s submission was attended by commission members Justice Farid Ahmed Shibli, human rights activist Nur Khan, BRAC University academic Nabila Idris, and advocate Sajjad Hossain. Also, present were members of the Interim Government’s advisory council, including Adilur Rahman Khan and Sharmeen S Murshid, along with Principal Secretary Md Siraj Uddin Mia and Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.
This report marks a pivotal step in uncovering the truth behind enforced disappearances in Bangladesh, raising critical questions about accountability and justice in the country’s governance and security apparatus.
