Ordinance on ‘enforced disappearances’ gets policy approval

The Advisory Council has given policy approval to the draft of the Prevention, Remedies and Protection against Enforced Disappearances Ordinance, 2025.

The ordinance will undergo further scrutiny before receiving final approval. The decision came at the 40th meeting of the Advisory Council, held Thursday at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus presiding.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said, “The draft ordinance was revised based on the recommendations of the Commission on Enforced Disappearances, along with feedback from Bangladesh Legal Aid Services Trust (BLAST), Human Rights Watch, and other human rights organisations, as well as from two consultation meetings organised by the Law and Justice Division.”

According to him, the draft defines enforced disappearance as a continuing crime and prescribes severe punishments, including the death penalty.

The establishment or operation of secret detention centres has also been criminalised.

The draft further empowers the National Human Rights Commission to receive and investigate complaints of enforced disappearances. It also provides for the formation of a special tribunal, mandates completion of trials within 120 days of charge framing, and guarantees protection for victims, whistleblowers, and witnesses.

In addition, the draft includes provisions for compensation and legal assistance for victims.

On a separate matter, Shafiqul Alam said the government has decided to shut down three land ports.

“Many of these ports were approved on political considerations by local politicians. In reality, there is no infrastructure on the other side, and virtually no trade occurs through them. Maintaining such facilities only creates an unnecessary financial burden for the government,” he explained.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com