Inquiry commission finds evidence of Aynaghar, receives 400 complaints in 13 days

The inquiry commission formed to investigate incidents of enforced disappearances during the tenure of the Awami League government has discovered secret detention centre ‘Aynaghar’ located in the office of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI).

The commission has also received 400 complaints within just 13 working days since its formation.

Moinul Islam Chowdhury, chairman of the inquiry commission, and also a retired High Court Justice, disclosed this information at a press conference at the commission's office in the capital’s Gulshan on Thursday.

The secret facility, known as Aynaghar, is a Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC) situated within the DGFI headquarters, he said, adding that the two-story building contains 22 cells. 

"We have focused on the complaints of those who have been disappeared with state patronage or by law enforcement agencies. We will also summon those against whom the complaints have been made. We will issue notices for their statements. If the accused do not appear, action will be taken according to the law," Mr Chowdhury said.

The commission's chair further stated, "The highest number of complaints about enforced disappearances has been against RAB, DGFI, DB, and CTTC. On September 25, we inspected the DGFI's Aynaghar. On October 1, we visited the DB and CTTC. However, we did not find any detainees there. It is possible that everyone has been released since August 5."