Those involved in enforced disappearances, however powerful, will face justice: President

He made these remarks in a speech delivered at an event organized on the occasion of International Day Against Enforced Disappearances-2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Sunday noon.

The President said, enforced disappearance not only takes away a person, but also takes away the laughter, peace, dreams and economic and social comfort of his family. This is a serious human rights violation. Although the Constitution ensures citizens' life, personal liberty, legal protection and human dignity, these rights have been violated through enforced disappearance and murder.

He said that over the past decade and a half, many people, including dissidents, political leaders and activists, journalists, writers and social workers, have been picked up and disappeared or secretly killed through enforced disappearance and the secret detention center 'Ainaghar'. He also commented that state institutions have denied these allegations.

Referring to the final report of the commission of inquiry into enforced disappearance, the President said the commission specifically identified 1,569 cases as enforced disappearances. Among them, 287 are missing or dead. He said the report also highlighted the increase in disappearances before elections and the incidents of disappearances and killings targeting political opponents.

The President said the commission's report has created an important foundation for future action. The 'Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedy Bill, 2026' has been placed before the National Parliament to prevent and redress enforced disappearance. In addition, Bangladesh has signed the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

Referring to the state's responsibility towards victims of enforced disappearance and their families, he said the responsibility will not end with only punishing the criminals. Social security, treatment, education, livelihood and rehabilitation must be ensured for the families who have long endured uncertainty, financial crisis and mental anguish.

He further said, there will be political differences in the country, but there will be no political vengeance. There will be freedom of expression, but there will be no room for fear and human rights violations. State power must remain under the control of the constitution and law.

With firmness, the President said, “There will be no more Ainaghar in this independent Bangladesh.” He expressed determination to bring those involved in enforced disappearance to justice regardless of their power or identity.

The event was attended by the Liberation War Affairs Minister, Home Minister, Law Minister, State Ministers, Members of Parliament, Chairman and members of the commission of inquiry into enforced disappearance, victims of enforced disappearance and their family members, journalists and dignitaries.