Today is the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. Observed annually on August 30, the day aims to honor victims, express solidarity with their families, and raise global awareness against enforced disappearances. This year's theme is "Victims First, Actions Now."

According to data from domestic and international human rights organizations, at least seven hundred people were forcibly disappeared during the Awami League regime through the use of law enforcement agencies.

Allegations indicate that secret detention cells, commonly known as "Aynaghor," were established in various locations to hold victims of disappearance and abduction for days on end.

In a message issued for the occasion, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that an enforced disappearance or abduction is not merely the loss of an individual, but also the death of a family's dreams, aspirations, and desires. He also mentioned that the current government is investigating every incident of disappearance and has initiated legal proceedings.

In the history of enforced disappearances in recent years, Bangladesh has seen widespread discussions surrounding the disappearance of opposition political activists, human rights defenders, and journalists.

Relatives have alleged that many individuals were picked up identifying as law enforcement personnel and remained untraced for long periods, after which accusations of confinement in secret detention cells came to light.

Reports from the Disappearance Commission and various international organizations have highlighted the grim picture of disappearances during the Awami League era.

Following the July 2024 mass uprising, renewed discussions began regarding the investigation and trial of these allegations, with applications filed at the International Crimes Tribunal accusing individuals of enforced disappearances.

Bangladesh signed the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance on August 29, 2024. A year later, the government took steps to establish a legal framework for the prevention and remedy of disappearances.

Questions over entrusting investigation to security forces, demands for bill review

The Cabinet has given in-principle and final approval to the draft of the "Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedy Act, 2026," identifying disappearance as an independent, cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable criminal offense. Toward the same objective, the "Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedy Bill, 2026" was tabled in Parliament on August 27.

The proposed law outlines provisions for preventing disappearances, ensuring punishment for responsible parties, protecting victims and their rights, and securing remedies. Ensuring human rights, personal liberty, and justice is also among the primary objectives of the legislation.

According to the history of the day, to stop state-sponsored disappearances, prevent impunity for this crime, establish justice, and support victims, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on December 20, 2006, to adopt the international convention for the protection of all persons from enforced disappearance.

The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance subsequently entered into force in December 2010, declaring August 30 as the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.

The main purpose of the day is to highlight enforced disappearances as crimes against humanity on the global stage and to exert pressure on states for accountability. The day has been observed in Bangladesh since 2011.

Meanwhile, victims of enforced disappearances and their family members have demanded fair investigations into all past incidents, the tracing of missing persons, and the bringing of those involved in disappearances to justice with strict punishments.