30 August is observed as the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. Though enforced disappearance has not yet been defined in the legal system of Bangladesh; in the recent years, incidents of enforced disappearance have grown to an alarming height. According to ASK documentation, based on the media reports and ASK’s own fact findings, 76 disappearances have allegedly been committed by the law enforcing agencies between January-July 2014. Among the victims, corpses of 23 have been found. Furthermore, according to the information collected by ASK, 55 and 53 people have been the victims of ‘enforced disappearance’ in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

Ain o Salish Kendra observes with grave concern that continued occurrence of enforced disappearances have given rise to a feeling of insecurity and terror in the mind of the masses. The statements, regarding these allegations, given at various times by different government representatives denying all responsibilities have only complicated matters. In many cases, relatives of the victims of ‘enforced disappearance’ have accused the law enforcing agencies. However, no legal action has been taken against the law enforcing agencies in most of the cases.

It is our observation that the statements of the government representatives regarding ‘enforced disappearances’ and kidnappings, their attempts to influence the course of inquiry and their effort in diverting the course of events have created extreme disappointment to the affected families and relatives in their expectations to get justice and return of the missing ones. The incompetence or inaction of the state and the law enforcing agencies in rescuing or reporting the location of the victims or in taking action against the perpetrators have given rise to doubts and mistrust, in most cases, regarding the competence and sincerity of the government and the law enforcing agencies.

The constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh ensures through article 11 that fundamental human rights and freedoms and respect for the dignity and worth of the human person be guaranteed. Article 32 guarantees that no person shall be deprived of life or personal liberty. It is the duty of the government vested in its hands by the constitution that it reveres, elevates and safeguards the constitution.

We think that, ‘enforced disappearance’ and kidnappings not only violate the right to life of a person but it also create pain of insecurity and ‘endless waiting’ for the kith and kin of the victims. We strongly believe that the government should demonstrate a sincere effort in preventing members of the law enforcing agencies to arrest anyone while in plain clothes or by concealing their identities in addition to preventing the prevalence of ‘enforced disappearances’. At the same time, we demand of the government that it establishes an independent commission to carry out a proper and impartial enquiry of all the allegation of enforced disappearances and play an effective role in safeguarding the life, liberty and security of all the citizens.