International Day Against Enforced Disappearances Today

According to the United Nations decision, the day has been observed every year on 30 August since 2011. Referring to enforced disappearance as a global problem, importance is placed on stopping this crime, finding missing persons, and ensuring justice for their families.

In Bangladesh, after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, the issue came under fresh discussion after a number of people were freed from the secret detention center known as 'Aynaghar' (mirror house). According to the human rights organization Odhikar, more than 700 people have been victims of enforced disappearance in the country in the last 15 years, of whom more than 150 are still missing.

Following a long-standing demand, Bangladesh signed the UN International Convention on Enforced Disappearances on 29 August 2024. The convention was adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2006, and its implementation began in 2010.

For the crime of enforced disappearance, the maximum punishment is life imprisonment and a fine. In cases where the disappearance results in death, the body is recovered, or no trace is found even after five years, the provision for maximum death penalty or life imprisonment and a fine has been kept.

The main goal of the day is to end enforced disappearances, stop impunity, locate missing persons, and ensure justice and rights for the victims and their families.