Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman spoke on August 30 about enforced disappearance. He called it one of the world’s most serious crimes. He said it is a grave violation of human rights. This date marks the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.
The Prime Minister shared his message on his verified Facebook page. He expressed deep sympathy for all disappeared people in Bangladesh and around the world. He also extended his support to their families. He stated that enforced disappearance is a global problem. It often happens in countries with strict rulers or in conflict areas.
State security forces sometimes use these cruel actions. They do this against people who oppose the government or have different political views. Prime Minister Rahman said that a past government in Bangladesh also used this practice. He said it was to stop people from having democratic rights.
Secret places were used to hold victims for months or even years. These places became known as ‘Aynaghar’. The Prime Minister shared numbers from local and international human rights groups. He said the past government made at least several hundred people disappear. He described this as deeply distressing.
The current government has started investigations into every case of enforced disappearance. It is also creating new laws to prevent this crime in the future. Two important bills are now in parliament. These are the ‘Prevention and Redress of Enforced Disappearance Bill, 2026’ and the ‘National Human Rights Commission Bill, 2026’.
The government hopes these new laws will stop such terrible crimes against people. The Prime Minister said enforced disappearance is more than just a number. It means the death of a family’s dreams and hopes. Families wait with great uncertainty, unable to grieve properly.
After the 2024 student and public uprising, some victims returned home. But many others, like Ilias Ali and Chowdhury Alam, are still missing. International law defines enforced disappearance as a crime against humanity. It calls for strong punishment for those responsible.
The Prime Minister asked for global unity. He called for solidarity to ensure justice for all victims. The theme for this year’s International Day is “Victims First, Actions Now”.
