The government on Thursday gave final approval to the draft of the 'Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Redress Ordinance 2025', introducing capital punishment and other stringent penalties for the offence.
The Council of Advisers granted the approval at its 47th meeting at the Chief Adviser's Office, with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in the chair.
"The ordinance defines enforced disappearance as a continuing offence and makes both the establishment and use of secret detention centres - known as 'Aynaghar' - a punishable crime," said Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam at a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka this afternoon.
According to the ordinance, he said, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has been authorised to receive and investigate complaints of enforced disappearance.
The law also makes it mandatory to complete trials within 120 days after the setting up of special tribunals to investigate complaints of enforced disappearance, the press secretary added.
The ordinance ensures protection for victims, witnesses, and informants, and guarantees compensation and legal aid, he said, adding that a special fund and database will be created for the prevention, redress, and protection against enforced disappearances.
Shafiqul Alam said the ordinance was framed in alignment with the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, which Bangladesh ratified on 29 August 2024.
He stated that this legislation marks a decisive step towards safeguarding life and personal liberty under the constitution.
The press secretary asserted that with this law in effect, "no future fascist government will be able to establish a regime of disappearances or 'Aynaghar' (secret prisons) in Bangladesh."
Chief Adviser's Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad and Assistant Press Secretary Shuchismita Tithi were present at the briefing.
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