The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances has stated that the chances of survival for individuals who have been forcibly disappeared and remain missing are extremely low.
At a press conference in the capital today, Commission Chairperson Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury revealed that 330 cases of enforced disappearances remain unresolved, with the victims yet to return.
The commission is currently reviewing records from India to determine if any of these individuals are being held in Indian prisons or elsewhere. "We have received a list of 1,067 Bangladeshis who have been incarcerated in Indian prisons over the past two to two-and-a-half years. We are now verifying whether any of them were victims of enforced disappearance," he said.
Additionally, a list of 140 individuals reportedly pushed into Bangladesh from India following the fall of the Awami League on August 5, 2024, has been received. However, preliminary investigations have not identified any cases of enforced disappearance among them.
Justice Moinul further disclosed that the commission has received a total of 1,752 complaints related to enforced disappearances, of which 1,000 have been investigated. "Our findings indicate that the highest levels of the previous government were involved in these crimes," he said.
When asked about the possible involvement of former prime minister's defense adviser Tareque Siddiqui, the chairperson confirmed that evidence has been found linking him to the ordering of enforced disappearances.
As part of its investigation, the commission has interviewed 45 members of law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Commission members Justice Md Farid Ahmed Shibli, human rights activists Nur Khan Liton and Sazzad Hossain, and researcher Nabila Idris were also present at the briefing.
Regarding the reported destruction of evidence at the Joint Interrogation Cell under the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) after August 5, Justice Moinul stated that identifying those responsible is still under investigation.
He also addressed the issue of an outstanding arrest warrant for 12 individuals, including former DGFI chiefs, which remains unexecuted. "If they cannot be arrested, they will be tried in absentia," he asserted.
Researcher Nabila Idris added that some law enforcement officers have admitted they acted under orders from high-ranking officials in the previous government.
However, she emphasized that those now assisting in the escape of former generals are acting of their own accord. "This is no longer about following orders; it is an individual choice that continues the cycle of crime," she said.
