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The relatives of the disappeared have taken to the streets with banners and festoons. Many were crying at the time, longing for their loved ones to return. They met yesterday in front of the National Museum of Shahbagh in the capital on the occasion of the International Day of Disappearances. Photo: Kaler Kantho
Nazmul Haque Murad disappeared on April 17, 2010 from Mohammadpur in the capital. Family members of this young Kaukhali contractor in Pirojpur continue to count down the days hoping for his return. Murad’s brother, Sirajul Haque Lipu, said: “After being charged in a murder case, Murad was hiding at a relative’s home in Mohammadpur. From there it disappeared. Police recovered a mutilated body from the Turag River in Mohammadpur at least 10 days after the incident. It is believed to be from Murad. However, DNA tests did not identify the body. He could have killed my brother. Had I survived, I would have made at least one phone call in so many years … ‘
Like Murad’s relatives, the relatives of the missing are desperate for all the horrible experiences. According to human rights groups, 604 people have been kidnapped in the last 14 years on behalf of the forces of order. Although most of them were found alive or dead, more than two hundred people are still missing.
Family members spend inhumane days losing an important family member. While searching for their loved ones, they face various inhumane experiences, such as harassment and intimidation.
Human rights activists and crime analysts say the number of disappearances has declined in recent years. However, the image of the rule of law and law enforcement agencies is being tarnished, as the mystery has not been revealed when investigating the previous incidents. They have insisted on the formation of an independent commission of inquiry for this.
In such a reality, today, August 30, the International Day for the Prevention of Missing Persons is celebrated in Bangladesh together with the rest of the world. On December 20, 2006, the UN General Assembly adopted the Charter for the Protection of All against Disappearances. The day has been celebrated around the world since 2011 to remember the victims of disappearances and offer condolences to their families.
According to the Law and Arbitration Center (LASC), the number of missing persons in the last seven months of this year is low. During this period, the two were allegedly kidnapped by law enforcement, but were later shown in custody. In 2019, four of the 13 disappeared returned. One was arrested. Of the 34 missing in 2017, two have returned. Subsequently, the police arrested 17 people. The other 15 have no whereabouts.
However, the last 14 years are quite worrying. At the time, 604 people were reported missing after being abducted. The bodies of 6 people were found. 62 detainees were shown. 56 people returned. A few more people were found in law enforcement offices and in various ways. However, there is no updated information on the missing.
According to Ask’s estimates, 344 people were reported missing between 2014 and July 2019. The bodies of 44 of them were subsequently recovered. 70 detained people were shown. And 35 people returned. Up to 205 people disappeared in six and a half years.
The relatives of the disappeared spend their days in fear and anxiety. On February 2, 2012, two students from the Islamic University, Al Mokaddas and Waliullah Walid, disappeared from Nabinagar in Savar on their way from Dhaka to Kushtia. Wali’s older brother Saifullah said: ‘I have met a lot of people. When I went to look for my brother, I saw the danger and I stopped talking. Mokaddas’ uncle was threatened by phone. Fearing for his life, he left his home in Dhaka and went to his village house in Pirojpur.
Shaon Mirza, a driver from Shankarpur, Jessore, went to a local park on April 5, 2016 with his friend Saidur Rahman Said. Then the relatives received the news that the DB police had arrested them both. Shaon’s older brother Faisal said: ‘I didn’t find a police station or jail anywhere. Maybe he didn’t survive. If I had survived, I would have made it … ‘Faisal said Saeed’s mother brought a case against the police, but withdrew under pressure.
Advocate for the ASC president, ZI Khan, told Panna Kaler Kanth: “Whether due to disappearance or death in custody, all non-judicial incidents must be brought to justice after a protest and investigation. I think that someday, not every day, everyone should speak out against it. The judiciary must also pay attention. The families of the victims often do not speak in the hope of returning. They also need to go to court.
Nur Khan Liton, advisor to the Human Rights Support Society and former executive director of ASC, said: “The families of the disappeared say that law enforcement is involved. I think it is necessary to form an independent commission to investigate the incident. There, victims will be able to complain without fear.
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