Barrister Arman expresses concern over letting enforced disappearance ordinance lapse

Mir Ahmad Binquasem, a Member of Parliament for the Dhaka-14 constituency and a survivor of enforced disappearance, expressed deep concern in the Parliament on Sunday over a special committee's recommendation to lapse an Ordinance related to enforced disappearance.

In an emotional address during a point of order, Binquasem, also known as Barrister Arman, questioned how a government led by victims of torture could suggest lapsing a law designed to prevent such atrocities, UNB reports. 

He urged the House to approve and enact the ordinance first, suggesting that any necessary amendments could be made later.

Binquasem warned that if the ordinance is repealed on the 12th of the month, the legal definition of "disappearance" would cease to exist from the following day.

Recounting his harrowing experience in secret detention, he described years spent in a "dark room" where he was unable to distinguish between day and night.

He spoke of the psychological toll of isolation and the constant fear of execution, noting that many others taken to such facilities never returned.

He credited the student-led uprising against the previous fascist regime for his eventual release and the opportunity to "see the light of the world again."

Responding to these concerns, Law Minister Asaduzzaman assured the Parliament that the government remains committed to justice for victims of enforced disappearance.

He explained that the repeal was recommended to avoid legal conflicts and ensure more stringent punishments.

The Law Minister pointed out that the definition of disappearance has already been integrated into the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Act, which carries penalties as severe as life imprisonment or death.

In contrast, the current ordinance provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years.

Regarding the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, the Minister stated that certain time limits for investigations within the current framework could lead to further harassment of victims.

He assured the House that updated, more comprehensive bills would be introduced during the current or subsequent session after consultations with stakeholders, including survivors like Barrister Arman.

Minister Asaduzzaman emphasized that there is no intention to let perpetrators escape through legal loopholes, citing the high-profile disappearance cases of individuals like Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed as evidence of the gravity with which the government views these crimes.