Interim Government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has compared the rule of the former Awami League government to a 'dark age' of ignorance after visiting secret detention centers, commonly referred to as 'Aynaghar,' that were operated under the ousted Hasina regime.
“There is a term called 'Ayam-e-Jahiliya' (‘dark age’ of ignorance), isn't there? The previous government established a dark age of ignorance. This (the secret detention facility) is an example of that,” Yunus said while addressing reporters after inspecting the detention centres in Agargaon, Kachukhet, and Uttara on Wednesday.
“This was a horrifying scene. The brutality here is beyond belief. Victims were taken without cause, labeled as terrorists or extremists, and subjected to inhumane torture,” he said.
Yunus revealed that these torture cells were systematically operated across the country under the previous government. “Such torture cells exist across the country. Initially, it was thought that there were only a few here, but now I am hearing that they exist in various forms nationwide. The exact number cannot be determined. But there are estimated to be between 700 and 800 such secret detention centers in the country, though the actual number could exceed 3,000,” he added.
Yunus emphasised the importance of justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators. “We need to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, and victims receive fair compensation. This chapter cannot be closed without proper investigation,” he said.
“The perpetrators were someone's sons, fathers, or relatives. If our own people can commit such inhumane acts, our society cannot survive,” he said.
Highlighting the need for societal reform, Yunus said, “We aim to build a ‘new Bangladesh,’ free from torture and injustice. Evidence of these abuses must be preserved as a lesson for future generations, and their stories should be included in educational materials.”
He also extended his sympathies to victims and their families. Recalling a meeting with the relative of a victim, Yunus said, “One person shared how their mother disappeared nine years ago. They still don’t know what happened to her.”
Members of the advisory council, members of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, victims, and local and international media accompanied the chief adviser during the visit to the spots located in Dhaka's Agargaon, Kachukhet and Uttara areas at around 11am Wednesday (12 February), said CA's Press Wing.
