Bangladesh launches probe into enforced disappearances during Hasina’s Regime

English , International - بین الاقوامی , / Wednesday, August 28th, 2024

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Bangladesh’s newly formed government has initiated an investigation into the enforced disappearances conducted by security forces during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. The investigation, which commenced on Wednesday, targets the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and other paramilitary units like the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), both accused of severe human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and torture.

This move follows the ouster of Hasina, who fled to India on August 5 after widespread student-led protests brought an end to her 15-year rule. The interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, established a five-member committee headed by retired high court judge Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury. The committee is tasked with investigating the disappearances, including over 600 cases reported since Hasina came to power in 2009, with nearly 100 individuals still unaccounted for, according to Human Rights Watch.

Many of the disappeared were members of opposition parties, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami. Hasina’s administration had previously denied these allegations, suggesting that some of the missing had drowned while attempting to migrate to Europe.

Sanjida Islam Tulee, coordinator of the advocacy group Mayer Daak, which campaigns for the release of the detained, welcomed the investigation. She emphasized the importance of transparency and urged the commission to ensure that every family is heard. The commission has 45 days to submit its findings, with hopes that justice will be served for the victims and their families.