Perpetrators of Enforced Disappearances to Face Trial: Mahfuj

ICT Adviser Md. Mahfuj Alam

Md. Mahfuj Alam, Information and Broadcasting Adviser to the Interim Government, announced today that individuals responsible for enforced disappearances will be held accountable and face justice during the tenure of the interim administration.

Mahfuj made the statement during an emotional meeting with the families of enforced disappearance victims, organized by the human rights group "Mayer Dak" at a gathering in Tejgaon this afternoon, according to a press release.

In a strong condemnation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mahfuj accused her of using enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings as tools for personal vengeance over her parents’ assassination.

"The highest number of enforced disappearances took place in 2013 and 2014, when people were fighting for their voting rights," he said. "The true aim of these actions was to destroy the electoral system and silence opposition."

The adviser revealed that the interim government has already established a commission to investigate the cases of enforced disappearances. “Based on the commission’s findings, arrest warrants have been issued for several individuals involved in these crimes. Investigations are still ongoing for many others,” Mahfuj added.

He sharply criticized the previous government, claiming that political opponents of the Awami League were branded as terrorists and militants before being forcibly disappeared. "Their families lived in constant fear and intimidation," he noted, "with various state institutions complicit in carrying out these disappearances."

Mahfuj also accused Sheikh Hasina of continuing to conspire against Bangladesh from India, calling it a deeply regrettable situation.

Issuing a warning to the Awami League, Mahfuj declared: "The Awami League will no longer be allowed to establish political dominance in Bangladesh. If they are given another chance, enforced disappearances and killings will rise again. We will ensure that they do not get that opportunity."

He assured the victims' families that the current government is committed to restoring the human rights that had been stripped away by Sheikh Hasina’s administration. "We stand with you, and we will support your pursuit of justice," Mahfuj promised.

Family members of the victims voiced their demand for justice and accountability, seeking the whereabouts of their missing loved ones and calling for a trial of those responsible for the enforced disappearances.