A strong demand has been placed before the special committee on constitutional amendment to establish foolproof mechanisms ensuring that no one is ever subjected to enforced disappearance again. The committee held an exchange of views with victims of enforced disappearances, killings, and torture during the Awami League regime, and their family members on Wednesday.
The meeting took place at the cabinet room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Later, the committee's president and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed briefed journalists about the proceedings.
Salahuddin Ahmed said that a unanimous voice emerged from the discussion, demanding systemic arrangements to prevent any future occurrences of enforced disappearances in the country. Participants also called for swift and fair trials for all cases filed regarding enforced disappearances, alongside appeals to secure property and financial support for the families of those who remain missing.
The Home Minister noted that the government has already enacted the Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance Act, which incorporates provisions to address these concerns.
Recalling that he himself had been a victim of enforced disappearance, the Home Minister stated that they want such dark times never to return to Bangladesh. He emphasized the desire to eradicate the subculture of enforced disappearances permanently, ensuring that the country never again witnesses extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, political vengeance, or custodial deaths. Students and the general public shed their blood in anticipation of such a new Bangladesh, he said, adding that the government will duly honor their aspirations by incorporating necessary safeguards into the constitution and formulating appropriate laws and regulations.
In response to a question, the special committee president mentioned that while the opposition is holding street agitations, they could have presented their demands directly to the constitutional reform committee for a hearing, but instead chose to prioritize street protests.
