Govt proposes allowance for families of disappeared persons: Fakhrul

The government will propose a special allowance for the families of victims of enforced disappearances and continue legal action against those responsible, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Friday.

Speaking at a national dialogue titled 'Right to Compensation and Rehabilitation' at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh auditorium in Dhaka, he said the proposal would be included in the current national budget. The event was organised to mark the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 2026.

"We will propose the introduction of a special government allowance for the families of victims of enforced disappearances," he said.

The minister said legal proceedings against those responsible would continue to ensure justice for victims and their families.

"Legal proceedings against those responsible for enforced disappearances would continue to ensure justice for the victims and their families. The government will stand beside you in every struggle to secure your rights and justice," he added.

The dialogue was attended by relatives of people who disappeared during the previous Awami League government. Many shared emotional accounts of losing family members and called for compensation, rehabilitation and justice, creating a sombre atmosphere.

Deputy Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Barrister Kayser Kamal said the focus should now be on securing justice and protecting the rights of victims rather than mourning their suffering. He also expressed hope that the National Human Rights Commission would be strengthened and that a parliamentary committee on enforced disappearances would be established.

Lawmaker Tahsina Rushdir Luna, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Md Aminul Islam, Sanzida Islam Tuli and representatives from various sectors also attended the dialogue.

Family members of the victims used the forum to outline their expectations for compensation, rehabilitation and accountability, urging the government to take effective steps to address their long-standing grievances.