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Enforced disappearances' victims faced systematic denial of justice during Hasina regime: Report
The Probe Commission on Enforced Disappearances has reported that under Sheikh Hasina’s regime, victims faced systematic denial of justice and deprivation of their fundamental rights. Part of the report was released on Monday. According to the report, law enforcement agencies frequently ref
Enforced disappearances' victims faced systematic denial of justice during Hasina regime: Report
FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
Jan 20, 2025 20:42
Updated :
Jan 20, 2025 21:30
Relatives of the disappeared form a human chain at the Central Shaheed Minar on International Day for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances on August 30, 2024 — FE/file
The Probe Commission on Enforced Disappearances has reported that under Sheikh Hasina’s regime, victims faced systematic denial of justice and deprivation of their fundamental rights.
Part of the report was released on Monday.
According to the report, law enforcement agencies frequently refused to register complaints or conduct proper investigations, often justifying their inaction by citing "orders from above." Instead, they dismissed the disappearances with unfounded claims, such as victims going into hiding to evade creditors or due to personal matters.
“For those who returned alive, the ordeal continued unabated. Victims often endured ongoing threats, silencing them from sharing their experiences or seeking accountability,” it said, adding that their fear was intensified by the absence of due process, the lack of judicial safeguards, and the systemic impunity granted to the perpetrators.
The cumulative psychological, social, and financial toll on the victims highlights the urgent need for restorative justice, systemic reforms, and comprehensive support for them.
It further revealed that the practice of forcibly disappearing children alongside their mothers has been widespread and longstanding, with cases reported from 2015 to as recently as 2023. These incidents involved security forces ranging from the Metropolitan Police in Chittagong to the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit in Dhaka.
The report also pointed out the dire economic conditions faced by families of the disappeared, as many victims were primary breadwinners. Their absence has plunged families into financial crises, affecting their overall well-being and limiting their ability to search for missing loved ones. It has also hindered their access to basic human rights such as education, healthcare, and shelter.
Additionally, the report noted that legal challenges related to inheritance have added further complications for these families.
The Commission observed that during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, a culture of impunity became deeply entrenched within the security forces.
“It was evident in our conversations with the officers of both civil and military forces that not only did most of them never expect to be ever held accountable for their crimes, they also did not necessarily view the crimes as crimes,” the report stated.
For example, cases of enforced disappearances involving individuals accused of terrorism were often dismissed as unimportant and unworthy of investigation. Similarly, custodial torture was described as a routine part of law enforcement operations, according to the report.
The report emphasised that this culture of impunity has had a profound impact on the nation, particularly on the victims and their families. However, it also noted the detrimental effect on the security forces themselves.
Over the past 15 years, evidence of crimes committed by security forces has been systematically manipulated. The report indicated that this was not only done by those in power until August 5, 2024—who likely sought to cover up their own wrongdoings—but also by those who later assumed leadership roles.
“It reveals the pervasive and coercive nature of the culture of impunity, which compels even those not originally directly involved in the commission of offences to protect and perpetuate it,” the report added.
FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
Jan 20, 2025 20:42
Updated :
Jan 20, 2025 21:30
Relatives of the disappeared form a human chain at the Central Shaheed Minar on International Day for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances on August 30, 2024 — FE/file
The Probe Commission on Enforced Disappearances has reported that under Sheikh Hasina’s regime, victims faced systematic denial of justice and deprivation of their fundamental rights.
Part of the report was released on Monday.
According to the report, law enforcement agencies frequently refused to register complaints or conduct proper investigations, often justifying their inaction by citing "orders from above." Instead, they dismissed the disappearances with unfounded claims, such as victims going into hiding to evade creditors or due to personal matters.
“For those who returned alive, the ordeal continued unabated. Victims often endured ongoing threats, silencing them from sharing their experiences or seeking accountability,” it said, adding that their fear was intensified by the absence of due process, the lack of judicial safeguards, and the systemic impunity granted to the perpetrators.
The cumulative psychological, social, and financial toll on the victims highlights the urgent need for restorative justice, systemic reforms, and comprehensive support for them.
It further revealed that the practice of forcibly disappearing children alongside their mothers has been widespread and longstanding, with cases reported from 2015 to as recently as 2023. These incidents involved security forces ranging from the Metropolitan Police in Chittagong to the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit in Dhaka.
The report also pointed out the dire economic conditions faced by families of the disappeared, as many victims were primary breadwinners. Their absence has plunged families into financial crises, affecting their overall well-being and limiting their ability to search for missing loved ones. It has also hindered their access to basic human rights such as education, healthcare, and shelter.
Additionally, the report noted that legal challenges related to inheritance have added further complications for these families.
The Commission observed that during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, a culture of impunity became deeply entrenched within the security forces.
“It was evident in our conversations with the officers of both civil and military forces that not only did most of them never expect to be ever held accountable for their crimes, they also did not necessarily view the crimes as crimes,” the report stated.
For example, cases of enforced disappearances involving individuals accused of terrorism were often dismissed as unimportant and unworthy of investigation. Similarly, custodial torture was described as a routine part of law enforcement operations, according to the report.
The report emphasised that this culture of impunity has had a profound impact on the nation, particularly on the victims and their families. However, it also noted the detrimental effect on the security forces themselves.
Over the past 15 years, evidence of crimes committed by security forces has been systematically manipulated. The report indicated that this was not only done by those in power until August 5, 2024—who likely sought to cover up their own wrongdoings—but also by those who later assumed leadership roles.
“It reveals the pervasive and coercive nature of the culture of impunity, which compels even those not originally directly involved in the commission of offences to protect and perpetuate it,” the report added.
