Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that there have been no cases of enforced disappearance, extrajudicial killing or political persecution in the country during the six months since the current government took office.
He made the remarks at a discussion titled “Law, Justice, Accountability and Human Rights to Bring Back or Trace Missing Persons,” organised by Mayer Daak at the National Museum auditorium in Shahbagh ahead of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.
Salahuddin also responded to allegations surrounding the disappearance of Miraj Sheikh, saying he had ordered an independent investigation by another law enforcement agency. According to the investigation, no evidence was found indicating that the disappearance had a political motive.
The minister said there are several robbery groups operating in the Sundarbans and that conflicts among the groups are common. He suggested that Miraj may have become involved in such a conflict. He also said that the “records” of Miraj, his father and grandfather were similar.
Human rights activist Nur Khan Liton, however, said there were indications of law enforcement involvement in the disappearance of Miraj Sheikh.
Liton said they had visited the scene and found indications of law enforcement involvement based on eyewitness accounts and digital evidence. However, he said no effective legal action had been taken over the incident.
He also alleged that local residents and witnesses were being pressured and called for a transparent investigation into the alleged involvement of the police and Coast Guard.
The home minister also said the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Redress Act 2026 was being prepared to ensure that victims of enforced disappearance can seek justice and compensation through the courts.
The proposed law defines enforced disappearance, outlines the nature of offences, punishments and investigation procedures, and includes the death penalty as the maximum punishment.
It also contains provisions concerning property rights for the heirs of disappeared persons so that families can continue to support themselves if the missing person does not return. Provisions for compensation have also been included, according to the minister.
Salahuddin said the draft law was prepared following consultations with stakeholders, UN representatives, diplomatic missions and human rights organisations, with the aim of aligning international standards with Bangladesh’s national circumstances.
The discussion was also attended by Members of Parliament Hummam Quader Chowdhury and Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman, lawyer Sara Hossain, UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Senior Officer in Bangladesh Jahid Hossain, and Netra News Executive Editor Nazmul Ahasan.
Ref: Bangladesh media.
