Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday said no one in the country has been subjected to enforced disappearance, extrajudicial killing, or political persecution since the current government took office six months ago.
He made the remarks at a panel discussion organised by Mayer Daak at the National Museum auditorium in Shahbagh on the eve of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.
The discussion, titled “Want Law, Justice, Accountability and Human Rights to Bring Back or Trace Missing Persons,” brought together victims of past enforced disappearances and their families.
Addressing allegations surrounding the disappearance of Miraj Sheikh, the home minister said he had ordered an independent investigation by another law enforcement agency, which found no evidence of a political motive behind the incident.
“There are various robber groups in the Sundarbans, and there is infighting among them,” Salahuddin said, suggesting that Miraj might have become caught up in such a conflict.
He added that the “record” of Miraj, his father and grandfather was similar.
Speaking about the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Redress Act 2026, the home minister said merely forming a commission would not resolve the issue of enforced disappearances.
He said the law was framed to ensure every victim can approach the court for justice and redress, outlining definitions of disappearance, the nature of offences, punishments, and investigation procedures.
The minister said the law includes provisions ensuring that heirs receive property rights to run their families if a disappeared person does not return, alongside provisions for compensation. A proposal also includes the state providing compensation if it cannot be recovered from the perpetrators. The law includes the death penalty as the maximum punishment.
Salahuddin said the draft was prepared after discussions with stakeholders, UN representatives, diplomatic missions, and human rights bodies, aligning international standards with national realities. He noted that suggestions and amendments can still be submitted, and the law can be amended in the future, if needed.
Human rights activist Nur Khan Liton raised the disappearance of Miraj Sheikh at the event. He said they visited the spot and found indications of law enforcement involvement based on eyewitness accounts and digital data, yet no effective legal action has been taken.
Instead, various statements are being made to deny the allegations, and pressure is being applied on local people and witnesses, Liton alleged, demanding a transparent probe into the roles of police and the Coast Guard.
Regarding the new law, Liton said ensuring an independent investigation is paramount.
Member of Parliament Hummam Quader Chowdhury, Member of Parliament Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman, and Barrister Sara Hossain also spoke at the event.
Reserved women’s seat MP and Mayer Daak Coordinator Sanjida Islam Tuli moderated the event.
UN OHCHR Senior Officer in Bangladesh Jahid Hossain, Netra News Executive Editor Nazmul Ahasan and family members of several disappeared persons also addressed the event.
