The interim government has issued a public notice seeking information on missing persons, urging victims, their families, or witnesses of enforced disappearances to submit details to the newly established Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances.
According to the notification released on Friday (13 September), complaints can be lodged against any law enforcement agency, including the Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Special Branch, Intelligence Branch, Ansar Battalion, Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), National Security Intelligence (NSI), and other defence or intelligence forces.
Family members, relatives, or witnesses of disappearances that occurred between 1 January 2010 and 5 August 2024 are encouraged to contact the commission by calling 01701662120 or 02-58812121, or by emailing edcommission.bd@gmail.com.
Complaints can also be submitted in person at the Commission's office at 96, Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka, between 15 September and 30 September, from 10:30am.] to 4:00pm on working days.
However, it is advised to make an appointment via the hotline before lodging a complaint in person, in accordance with the specified schedule.
Each complaint must include specific details of the alleged disappearance, such as the place, date, and time of the incident, as well as the names and parental details of both the complainant and the victim.
Relationship between the complainant and the victim, along with their postal addresses, mobile numbers, email addresses, and any information regarding the accused, should also be provided.
The commission further requests the submission of any supporting evidence relating to the disappearance, including a list of witnesses, their addresses, and copies of the national identity cards of the complainant and the victim (if available).
The commission will take further action as necessary by contacting the complainant, the accused, or the relevant institution or organisation.
Additionally, the commission will undertake its own investigations by liaising with relevant institutions and organisations to gather necessary information about the disappearances.
The interim government established the Commission of Inquiry on 27 August to trace the victims of enforced disappearances - headed by retired High Court Judge Moinul Islam Chowdhury, with the aim of identifying missing individuals and investigating the circumstances surrounding their disappearances.
Other members of the commission include Justice Md Farid Ahmed Shibli, another former High Court judge; human rights activists Nur Khan and Sazzad Hossain; and Nabila Idris, a lecturer at BRAC University.
Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed submitted various information, including a list of 64 individuals who forcibly disappeared under the previous government, to the commission on 12 September to assist in its investigation into the missing persons.
