Unite and act against enforced disappearance

“A disappearance or abduction is far more than the loss of an individual, as it shatters the hopes, dreams and aspirations of an
entire family. ”

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman yesterday called for global unity and solidarity to ensure justice and accountability for individuals and institutions involved in enforced disappearances.

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Terming the enforced disappearances as one of the most heinous and gruesome acts, he said such crimes can particularly be seen in countries ruled by autocratic regimes to clamp down on anti-government movements, report UNB and BSS.

Tarique’s comments come on the eve of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances to be observed on Sunday.

The United Nations has been observing August 30 as the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances since 2011, with the aim of raising global awareness of enforced disappearances, tracing missing people and showing solidarity with their families.

The ousted ‘fascist’ government resorted to the inhumane practice of enforced disappearances and abductions, detaining many people for months or even years at detention centres known as ‘Aynaghar’, he said.

Citing international human rights organisations, he said the law enforcement agencies disappeared more than 700 people in different times during the deposed ‘fascist’ regime.

“A disappearance or abduction is far more than the loss of an individual, as it shatters the hopes, dreams and aspirations of an entire family. Relatives of disappeared people who continue to wait for their return spend their days in an uncertain reality, with no end in sight.”

To stop such inhuman crimes, the government has begun trials after investigating each incident, he said, adding that a legal framework is being prepared to stop such crimes in the future.

Earlier in the day, at a programme to hand over job appointment letters to 74 members of families affected by enforced disappearances and killings and the July uprising, Tarique pledged his government would endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of those who sacrificed their lives or suffered injuries in the struggle for independence, democracy and people’s rights.

“You are our source of inspiration, encouragement and strength,” he told the victim families, adding that his government would not retreat from its commitment despite the difficulties involved in implementing all expectations within the desired timeframe.

The government will try to stand beside individuals and families, irrespective of their political affiliation or background, who had contributed to the restoration of democracy.

Recalling the July martyrs, Tarique said the 20 crore people of Bangladesh have been freed from a ‘fascist situation’ through the circumstances that led to their absence.

Among those receiving appointment letters from the PM are Ishfaq Ahmed, brother of Iftekhar Ahmed Dinar; Moniruzzaman Hira, brother of Nuruzzaman Jony; Anan Hossain Noor, brother of Anwar Hossain Mahbub; Hasnain Reza, brother of Selim Reza Pintu; and Shammi Sultana, wife of Khaled Hossain Sohel.

Recipients from the July uprising included visually impaired injured fighter Alal Ahmed, Md Abul Hossain, father of martyr Alvi; Zartaj Parvin, mother of martyr Ahnaf; injured fighter Kazi Saimum Siraj; and Mahbub Alam, brother of Israfil Islam.