In an open letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday, Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged the government to take immediate steps to confirm the whereabouts of and release people who are reportedly the victims of enforced disappearance.
The rights group said enforced disappearances have emerged as a pressing concern in Bangladesh, particularly since the period leading up to the January 2014 national elections, reports UNB.
Over 80 cases of secret detentions and enforced disappearances were reported in 2017, with seven of the victims having been killed later in "gunfights," or "crossfire”. At least 17 are still missing and reports of new cases continue, said an HRW statement published on its website.
"As she nears the end of her third term in office, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should intervene personally to help families who are desperately looking for answers, and establish an independent authority to investigate and resolve this widespread problem," said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch.
During HRW investigations on disappearances, witnesses confirmed the involvement of law enforcement and intelligence agencies. In some cases, personnel who carried out the detentions claimed that they were from the administration.
Bangladesh should ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances, HRW said.
"In addition to the establishment of an independent authority, the Bangladesh government should invite relevant UN special mandate holders to conduct their own investigations," Adams said. "These teams should all be given free and unfettered access to all detention sites and access to all victims and their families."
Thursday, April 25, 2024
