Dhaka, Nov 09 (V7N)- Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus pledged comprehensive assistance to the Commission on Enforced Disappearances in its efforts to identify and hold accountable those responsible for disappearances from 2009 to August 2024. This commitment was made during a meeting held at the Chief Advisor's office on Saturday, where Dr. Yunus assured the commission of any resources required for its work.

Commission Chairman, retired Justice Mainul Islam Chowdhury, reported that approximately 1,600 complaints had been lodged as of October 31, with 400 verified cases and interviews conducted with 140 complainants. He noted that the actual number of disappearances might exceed 3,500, with several victims either imprisoned or facing capital punishment. There are concerns that some individuals were forced to provide confessional statements under duress, while others may be detained in foreign prisons.

The commission highlighted the need for government cooperation to secure detention sites and preserve evidence, as well as assistance in imposing travel restrictions on suspects, potentially revoking their passports to prevent flight.

Home Affairs Advisor Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that appropriate actions will follow once the list of suspects is provided. Legal Advisor Asif Nazrul added that the commission’s mandate may be extended by two years if necessary, along with legal measures to safeguard victims.

Present at the meeting were Advisors Asif Mahmud, M Sakhawat Hossain, Salehuddin Ahmed, Nurjahan Begum, Adilur Rahman Khan, and Nahid Islam; Special Assistant Lieutenant General (retd) Abdul Hafiz; Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid; and Chief Press Secretary Md. Siraj Uddin Mia.

END/MSS/AJ